Awareness of congenital cytomegalovirus among doctors in the Netherlands

Abstract

Background: Because of limited treatment options for congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, preventive strategies are important. Knowledge and awareness are essential for the success of preventive strategies.

Objectives: To investigate the knowledge of congenital CMV among doctors involved in mother and child care in the Netherlands.

Study design: A questionnaire on CMV infection was sent to doctors by snowball sampling. Knowledge concerning epidemiology, transmission, symptoms and signs of CMV infection in adults and children, and treatment options were evaluated.

Results: The questionnaire was completed by 246 doctors involved in mother and child care. The respondents estimated a prevalence of congenital CMV varying between 0.1 and 500 per 1000 live-born infants. The mean knowledge scores regarding transmission and postnatal symptoms increased with a more advanced career stage (i.e. older age). Gender and parenthood did not contribute to knowledge, but the field of expertise did. Respondents in the field of pediatrics had the highest mean score on postnatal symptoms and long-term effects. Respondents working in the field of gynecology and obstetrics were unaware of the precise transmission route of CMV. More than one-third of the respondents assumed that treatment was readily available for congenital CMV infection.

Conclusions: The knowledge of CMV infection among doctors in the Netherlands contained several gaps. Increasing knowledge and awareness is expected to enhance the prevention of transmission, to improve recognition, and to stimulate diagnostic investigations and follow-up programs.