CYTOMEGALOVIRUS-INFECTION DURING PREGNANC Y

The incidence of congenital cytomegalovirus infection in France reache s approximately 1,500 infants per year, leading either to death during the first days of life or severe neurosensorial sequellae. This publi c health problem is of particular importance since primary infections, with the most severe consequences resulting from infections occurring during the first trimester of pregnancy, usually have no clinical man ifestations. Viral culture of the amniotic fluid obtained by amniocent esis is required for diagnosis. Ultrasonography can detect malformatio ns. In some of the most severe cases early termination of pregnancy is justified, but the prognosis in less severe cases is not clearly dete rmined. Currently, no in utero treatment has been shown to be effectiv e.