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RESEARCH ARTICLE

Clinical and epidemiological features of congenital cytomegalovirus infection globally

Wendy J van Zuylen
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

Serology and Virology Division
SEALS Microbiology
Prince of Wales Hospital
Randwick, NSW 2301, Australia

School of Medical Sciences
Faculty of Medicine
The University of New South Wales
Sydney, NSW 2033, Australia
Tel: +61 2 9382 9096
Fax: +61 2 9382 8533
Email: w.vanzuijlen@unsw.edu.au

Microbiology Australia 36(4) 153-156 https://doi.org/10.1071/MA15056
Published: 21 October 2015

Abstract

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common non-genetic cause of congenital disability. As a herpesvirus that infects the majority of the population, CMV is able to establish a lifelong latent infection in the host. Any time during pregnancy, a primary CMV infection, reactivation of latent CMV or a new viral strain can infect the placenta and the developing foetus, resulting in congenital CMV infection. Each year, an estimated 2000 children are born with congenital CMV infection in Australia, leaving ~500 children with permanent disabilities such as hearing or vision loss, or mental disability. Despite the clinical importance of congenital CMV, there is limited awareness and knowledge in the medical and general community about congenital CMV infection. This article reviews the global epidemiology and clinical features of maternal and congenital CMV infections.


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