Overview of congenital infections: the prominence of cytomegalovirus.

Congenital infections are those that are acquired transplacentally by the fetus from an infected mother. They constitute a major public health burden, affecting millions of infants and children worldwide. Despite significant advances in medical diagnostics, the majority of newborns with congenital infections are not recognized, since many of these infections may not cause clinically - apparent disease in the newborn period. Nonetheless, these infections - whether they are apparent or silent - have the potential to adversely impact the neurodevelopmental outcomes of these vulnerable children.