Congenital cytomegalovirus infection. Is there a breakthrough?
OBJECTIVE
My 26-year-old patient is planning her first pregnancy in the coming month. She works in a day-care centre. Recently, two cases of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection were diagnosed in her class. What tests should she have before and during the pregnancy, and how should I care for her?


CONCLUSIONS
Cytomegalovirus infection, the most common congenital viral infection in humans, carries high risk of long-term morbidity and mortality. Seronegative mothers of children in day-care centres are at as high risk of acquiring the infection as day-care workers themselves. The immune status of at-risk patients should be evaluated as pregnancy progresses. Evidence of fetal infection does not necessarily mean fetal disease or damage. With a primary-infected fetus, termination of pregnancy might be discussed with the parents.
Bar-Oz
B
B
Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto.
Berkovitch
M
M
Ford-Jones
L
L
Koren
G
G
D000028:Abortion, Induced; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002656:Child Day Care Centers; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000151:congenital* / Q000517:prevention & control; D018562:Disease Transmission, Infectious; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000821:virology*; D011295:Prenatal Care; D012307:Risk Factors