[Cytomegalovirus infection in pregnancy]

Abstract

Primary and recurrent infections of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) can occur during pregnancy. Both can result congenital infection, the leading infectious cause of mental retardation, sensorineural deafness and visual impairment. Intrauterine transmission of HCMV and adverse outcome are mainly related to primary maternal infection. However, there is an increasing evidence that incidence of symptomatic infections in infants born to immune mothers is higher than previously thought. Therefore the option of prenatal diagnosis has a crucial role in the management of pregnancy complicated by active HCMV infection. In spite of the potentially devastating consequence of congenital HCMV infection, little information is available concerning antiviral therapy as prophylactic treatment for women at high risk of the transmission of HCMV during pregnancy. Passive immunization for prevention of vertical transmission of the virus seems to be promising. Until a HCMV vaccine is available, education regarding the risk and strategies for prevention of HCMV infection during pregnancy is needed.