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Review
. 2025 Dec;30(4):101662.
doi: 10.1016/j.siny.2025.101662. Epub 2025 Sep 25.

Advancements and potential in the prevention of congenital CMV infection

Yarlini Vipulanandan  1 , Suresh Boppana  1 , Karen B Fowler  1 , David W Kimberlin  2
Affiliations
Review

Advancements and potential in the prevention of congenital CMV infection

Yarlini Vipulanandan et al. Semin Fetal Neonatal Med. 2025 Dec.

Abstract

Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a large contributor to neurodevelopmental delay and non-genetic sensorineural hearing loss, which can often be delayed in onset. While a majority of CMV infections are asymptomatic in healthy children and adults, periconceptual and early in utero infection can cause clinically significant and potentially long-term sequelae. The complex relationship between congenital CMV infection and maternal immunity provides a challenging backdrop for CMV prevention. Increased awareness of the significance of congenital CMV is reflected in the proliferation of prevention strategies over the past 30 years, including education initiatives, behavioral modifications, and maternal antiviral prophylaxis. This review explores different levels of congenital CMV prevention and highlights a variety of prevention strategies, including the potential for development of effective vaccines for CMV.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of competing interest Yarlini Vipulanandan has not conflicst or interest or funding to declare. Suresh Boppana has consulted for Moderna and GSK. Karen Fowler has consulted for Moderna. David Kimberlin has no conflicts of interest or funding to declare.

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