Abstract
Primary and recurrent infections of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) can occur during pregnancy. Both can result in congenital infection, the leading infectious cause of mental retardation, sensorineural deafness and visual impairment. The intrauterine transmission of HCMV and an adverse outcome are mainly related to a primary maternal infection. However, there is currently increasing evidence that the incidence of symptomatic infections in infants born to immune mothers is higher than previously thought. The option of a prenatal diagnosis therefore has a crucial role in the management of pregnancies complicated by active HCMV infection. In spite of the potentially devastating consequences of congenital HCMV infection, little information is available concerning antiviral therapy as prophylactic treatment for women at high risk of the transmission of HCMV during pregnancy. Passive immunization for the prevention of vertical transmission of the virus appears promising. Until a HCMV vaccine is available, education is needed regarding the risk involved and the strategies to be adopted for the prevention of HCMV infection during pregnancy.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
