Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection: A rare cause of neonatal morbidity in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV), a member of the herpes virus family is a known cause of intrauterine infections with attendant sequelae on the newborn. Symptomatic CMV is grossly underdiagnosed and rarely reported in Nigeria and elsewhere. A.O was a 6-week old male with features suggestive of severe CMV infection that was misdiagnosed and managed for bacterial sepsis in another hospital without improvement necessitating referral to our facility. He had generalised “blueberry muffin” skin rashes from birth, respiratory distress, pyrexia,recurrent anemia, severe jaundice with massive hepatosplenomegaly; in addition to symptoms of central nervous system involvement. Serological tests and polymerase chain reaction were positive for Cytomegalovirus. He received intravenous and oral ganciclovir, blood transfusions and intravenous antibiotics for anaemia and bacteria sepsis with satisfactory outcome. This case highlights the need for high index of suspicion, and prompt appropriate intervention in order to minimize morbidity and improve outcome in cases of congenital CMV infection.