Congenital cytomegalovirus infection - Is there a breakthrough?

QUESTION My 26 year-old patient is planning her first pregnancy in the comi ng month. She works in a day-care centre. Recently, two cases of cytomegalo virus (CMV) infection were diagnosed in her class. What tests should she ha ve before and during the pregnancy, and how should I care for her? ANSWER Cytomegalovirus infection, the most common congenital viral infectio n in humans, carries high risk of long-term morbidity and mortality. Serone gative mothers of children in day-care centres are at as high risk of acqui ring the infection as day-care workers themselves. The immune status of at- risk patients should be evaluated as pregnancy progresses. Evidence of feta l infection does not necessarily mean fetal disease or damage. With a prima ry-infected fetus, termination of pregnancy might be discussed with the par ents.