Fatal acquired cytomegalovirus infection in a neonate with maternal antibody.
An extremely premature infant was born to a mother who had antibodies to cytomegalovirus (CMV). Despite having acquired transplacental antibodies, the baby developed an episode of presumed CMV hepatitis at the age of 10 weeks after blood transfusions from seropositive donors. Although the hepatitis settled, the baby developed chronic lung disease from which he died at the age of 5 months. Post mortem, widespread infection with CMV was demonstrated. The fact that serious CMV infection can develop in an infant of a seropositive mother further justifies the routine use of blood from CMV-negative donors for all transfusions given to infants of low birth weight.
de Cates
C R
CR
Neonatal Unit, Rosie Maternity Hospital, Cambridge, U.K.
Roberton
N R
NR
Walker
J R
JR
D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D003587:Cytomegalovirus / Q000276:immunology*; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000635:transmission*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007112:Immunity, Maternally-Acquired; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000032:analysis; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D065227:Transfusion Reaction
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M