OBJECTIVE: Congenital cytomegalovirus is the most common viral infection affecting approximately 1% of newborns. The virus can be transmitted to the fetus during both primary and recurrent infection. Although most of the infants are asymptomatic at birth, up to 15% develop late complications. The annual cost of treating cytomegalovirus infection complications in the USA is two billion US dollars. Many issues regarding cytomegalovirus infection such as routine screening, antenatal diagnosis and vaccination during pregnancy are unsettled and disputed. The aim of this article is to review the current literature on the subject and to draw some conclusions. DESIGN: Review of the current literature. CONCLUSIONS: At present, it appears that there is no indication for routine prenatal screening, while other issues, such as the most accurate method for antenatal diagnosis and the indications for pregnancy termination are, as yet, unsettled.
OBJECTIVE: Congenital cytomegalovirus is the most common viral infection affecting approximately 1% of newborns. The virus can be transmitted to the fetus during both primary and recurrent infection. Although most of the infants are asymptomatic at birth, up to 15% develop late complications. The annual cost of treating cytomegalovirus infection complications in the USA is two billion US dollars. Many issues regarding cytomegalovirus infection such as routine screening, antenatal diagnosis and vaccination during pregnancy are unsettled and disputed. The aim of this article is to review the current literature on the subject and to draw some conclusions. DESIGN: Review of the current literature. CONCLUSIONS: At present, it appears that there is no indication for routine prenatal screening, while other issues, such as the most accurate method for antenatal diagnosis and the indications for pregnancy termination are, as yet, unsettled.