IMMUNIZATION STRATEGY FOR PREVENTION OF CONGENITAL CYTOMEGALOVIRUS-INFECTION

Women of childbearing age are a logical target for a vaccine aimed at prevention of congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections. However, th e impact of a CMV vaccine could likely be enhanced by considering the sources of maternal infection and characteristics of mothers of infect ed newborns, Contact with preschool-age children and sexual activity a re important sources of CMV infection for young women. Approximately h alf of infants with congenital CMV infection in the U.S. are born to u nmarried, adolescent mothers. To prevent CMV infection in those who ar e the sources of maternal infection as well as in young, unmarried mot hers, universal immunization of toddlers and preteen children should b e considered.