CYTOMEGALOVIRUS-INFECTION IN THE PREGNANT MOTHER, FETUS, AND NEWBORN-INFANT

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that infects persons of all ag es, races, and backgrounds. Originally described as a rare cause of '' cytomegalic inclusion disease,'' CMV is now known to cause a broad spe ctrum of illness in the fetus and newborn, with most infections being asymptomatic at birth. This article discusses the epidemiology and dia gnosis of CMV infection in pregnant women, the fetus, and the newborn, including recent advances in antenatal diagnosis. In addition, the ch allenges of treatment and prevention of congenital CMV are explored.