How is neonatal CMV treated?
We treat babies born with congenital CMV with a course of intravenous antiviral medication over a period of several weeks. The most commonly used treatments for congenital CMV are called ganciclovir and valganciclovir.
What is the most common congenital viral infection?
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common congenital viral infection in the developed world, with an overall birth prevalence of approximately 0.6%.
Can CMV be cured in babies?
Newborns may develop neurologic problems such as hearing loss. Handwashing can help prevent spread of the virus. Cytomegalovirus infection cannot be cured, but some antiviral drugs can limit the problems caused by infection.
How is cytomegalovirus treated?
Antiviral medications are the most common type of treatment. They can slow reproduction of the virus, but can’t eliminate it. Researchers are studying new medications and vaccines to treat and prevent CMV .
What are the symptoms of CMV in babies?
Some babies with congenital CMV infection have signs at birth, such as:
- Rash.
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes)
- Microcephaly (small head)
- Low birth weight.
- Hepatosplenomegaly (enlarged liver and spleen)
- Seizures.
- Retinitis (damaged eye retina)
What is CMV positive in babies?
If your baby is CMV-positive at birth, it means that they contracted CMV. It also means that you have CMV, and the virus crossed the placenta at some point during your pregnancy. If you have CMV and you’re pregnant, there’s a 35 percent chance that you’ll pass it to the fetus.
What causes baby CMV?
CMV is spread from an infected person in the following ways: From direct contact with saliva or urine, especially from babies and young children. Through sexual contact. From breast milk to nursing infants.
When should a newborn be tested for CMV?
Congenital CMV infection can be diagnosed by testing a newborn baby’s urine (preferred specimen), saliva, or blood. These specimens must be collected for testing within 2 to 3 weeks after the baby is born to confirm a diagnosis of congenital CMV infection.
How do newborns get CMV?
CMV is found in bodily fluids such as saliva, urine, semen, and others. The virus is easily spread in households and in daycare centers. It can be transmitted to the fetus during pregnancy and to the baby during delivery or in breast milk.
What are the side effects of CMV in babies?
These babies are also at risk for hearing, vision, neurological, and developmental problems. Even babies without clear symptoms are at risk for congenital hearing loss. CMV is the most common cause of non-genetic hearing loss at birth.