Summary
Cytomegalovirus (CMV), a member of the human herpesvirus family, is the most common viral cause of congenital infection, affecting 0.2–2.2% of all live births. It is responsible for significant morbidity, especially in infants who are symptomatic in the neonatal period. It is the leading non-genetic cause of sensorineural hearing loss and a major cause of neurological disability. Around 10–15% of neonates with congenital CMV will be symptomatic at birth, with a similar percentage developing problems later in childhood.
This Scientific Impact Paper summarises the issues around screening, diagnosis and treatment of CMV in pregnancy, utilising the best available evidence and highlighting recent advances.
COVID disclaimer
This Scientific Impact Paper was developed prior to the emergence of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Version history
This is the first edition of this paper. Please note that the Scientific Advisory Committee regularly assesses the need to update. Further information on this review is available on request.
Developer declaration of interests
Dr A Khalil MRCOG, London: None declared.
Professor P Heath, Professor of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, St George's University of London: None declared.
Dr C Jones, Honorary Senior Lecturer and Consultant in Paediatric Infectious Diseases, St George’s University of London and Associate Professor at University of Southampton: Dr Jones is a medical advisor to CMV Action and Chair of the European Society for Paediatric Infectious Diseases Committee for Education.
Dr A Soe, Lead Clinician in Neonatology, Oliver Fisher Neonatal Unit, Medway Maritime Hospital, Gillingham and a Lead Clinician for the British Association of Perinatal Medicine South East Coast Neonatal Network: Dr Soe is a member of the NICE Intrapartum care for high risk women Guideline Development Group, Chair of the Oliver Fisher Special Care Baby Trust and has been a principal investigator on neonatal research studies.
Professor YG Ville FRCOG, Paris, France: Professor Ville is a member of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) Working Group for Good Clinical Practice in Maternal-Foetal Medicine.