[Cytomegalovirus and pregnancy. Fetal and neonatal risk]

Abstract

A review of the literature shows that 36% of pregnant women are not immunized against cytomegalovirus; 2.11% of these patients will have a primary infection during their pregnancy. The fetal transmission rate is 30%. Viruria after delivery is the unique proven sign of infection; but is only present in 4 to 5 infants per 1,000 births. Of those, 17% will be symptomatic at delivery and 10% will develop sequels as late as seven years later. CMV can be reactivated during pregnancy. These cases are less dangerous but the fetal risk is always present.