Shining a spotlight on Cytomegalovirus diagnostics - focus on improving outcomes for mothers and babies

 

Although significant advancements have been made in CMV diagnostic testing, universal screening during pregnancy has still not been substantially implemented or recommended. The burden of the disease related to congenital CMV is significant, as it is the leading non-genetic cause of hearing loss and neurodevelopmental disabilities in children. Despite its clinical significance, congenital CMV often goes undetected because many infected infants are asymptomatic at birth.1 While early diagnosis and intervention are fundamental, prevention of maternal infection, education and optimization of antiviral therapy can help to reduce the burden. This presentation highlights the clinical importance of congenital CMV infection, diagnosis, management, the developments in laboratory diagnostics, and how we can move forward to further reduce the impact of congenital CMV globally.

 

1. Marsico, Concetta, and David W Kimberlin. “Congenital Cytomegalovirus infection: advances and challenges in diagnosis, prevention and treatment.” Italian journal of pediatrics vol. 43,1 38. 17 Apr. 2017, doi:10.1186/s13052-017-0358-8.

 

Learning Objectives