Abstract :
Primary and recurrent infections of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) can
occur during pregnancy. Both can result in congenital infection, the leading
infectious cause of mental retardation, sensorineural deafness and visual
impairment. The intrauterine transmission of HCMV and an adverse
outcome are mainly related to a primary maternal infection. However, there
is currently increasing evidence that the incidence of symptomatic infections
in infants born to immune mothers is higher than previously thought. The
option of a prenatal diagnosis therefore has a crucial role in the management
of pregnancies complicated by active HCMV infection. In spite of the
potentially devastating consequences of congenital HCMV infection, little
information is available concerning antiviral therapy as prophylactic
treatment for women at high risk of the transmission of HCMV during
pregnancy. Passive immunization for the prevention of vertical transmission of the virus appears promising. Until a
HCMV vaccine is available, education is needed regarding the risk involved and the strategies to be adopted for the
prevention of HCMVinfection during pregnancy
Keyword :
human cytomegalovirus, pregnancy, vertical transmission, fetal infection, prena- tal diagnosis, prevention