A PROSPECTIVE STUDY ON THE INCIDENCE AND EVOLUTION OF CON GENITAL CMV INFECTION IN AN URBAN ITALIAN COMMUNITY

Abstract

Congenital CMV infection is found in 0.2-2.3% of newborn infants as reported. These studies, conducted mainly in England and USA, have dealt with populations whose racial origins, socioeconomic status and access to health care programs don't represent well the situation found in most urban communities of NorthernItaly. Accordingly,we undertook in may 1984 a long term prospective study of the epidemiology of congenital CMV infection in the city of Padova, a community of approximately 250.000 people in the north-east of Italy. Urine samples were taken from babies born in the Dpt. of Obstetrics, Padova general hospital during the first few days of life. These urine were collected into virus transport medium and inoculated in duplicate into human lung embryo fibroblast cultures. CMV was identified by the appeareance of the typical cytopatic effect. Congenital infection was diagnosed when CMV was isolated from a baby's urine in the first week of life. Negative samples were examined for four weeks before being discarded. At the moment, we have studied 505 full-term neonates (b.w. 3.340 gr; g.a. 40 wks), 39 pre term (b.w. 2.517 gr;g.a.36wks) and 6 small for date neonates (b.w.2328; g.a.39 wks). 1 out of 550 newborns was found to be congenitally infected, giving a rate of 0.2%, which is similar to the incidence found in northern Europe. At birth the congenitally infected baby had no problems, b.w. was 3.615 gr and gest.age 40 wks. The infant has been followed up at 3 and 6 months. The urine were still positive for CMV but the baby seemed to be normal. Any way she need to be followed up for a long time. So like wise the exact rate of congenital infection in our country must be state after a longer time study.