CMV (cytomegalovirus) virus in newborns

The cytomegalovirus (CMV virus) belongs to a group of herpes viruses. The cytomegalovirus is responsible for many viral infections that affect humans. The virus can be found in body's fluids such as blood, saliva, urine, tears, feces, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk. Infection with cytomegalovirus is very common. CMV is in most cases harmless and since it rarely causes symptoms, most infected people are not aware of their infection. However, cytomegalovirus infection can cause problems in infants. A baby can be infected before the birth if the mother gets infected during pregnancy. This is known as congenital cytomegalovirus or cytomegalovirus inclusion disease. Also, a breastfeeding mother can transmit virus to her child. Most of the time, CMV virus does not cause a significant illness. Nevertheless, sometimes congenital cytomegalovirus can result in serious disease and even cause permanent disability or death.

CMV Virus in Infants

CMV virus in infants usually does not produce any symptoms. If a woman gets CMV infection before pregnancy, it will pose no risk to her future children. However, if a mother develops CMV infection for the first time during pregnancy, her child will have a higher risk of CMV complications. Around, 5 to 10% of babies are born with congenital cytomegalovirus. Serious complications caused by congenital cytomegalovirus include: hearing loss, visual problems, epilepsy, mental retardation and autism.

Symptoms of Congenital CMVIn most of infected newborns, there are no noticeable symptoms of CMV virus. Still, several symptoms may indicate presence of cytomegalovirus in newborns. These symptoms include: jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), low birth weight, enlarged spleen, enlarged liver, pneumonia, purple skin rash or splotches, seizures and inflammation of the retina. Approximately, 1 in 100 infants with congenital cytomegalovirus infection are severely affected by the illness. They usually develop life-long disabilities. Sometimes, baby can be healthy at birth but may exhibit signs few months or years later. Usually, the last sign of congenital CMV is hearing loss.

How is CMV Spread?

CMV virus can be spread in many ways. Since CMV gets into blood and other bodily fluids, infected person can transmit the virus only in a close contact. It can be through sexual intercourse, contact with blood or by sharing a glass or eating utensils. Infants and babies can also contract CMV virus at nurseries and the day care centers. These children often spread CMV infection to their expectant mothers, which can be very dangerous for the unborn child. Therefore, if you are pregnant and your child attends daycare you have to test for CMV virus infection. If the test shows you have never been infected with CMV, you must take some precautionary measures to protect your expecting child. That means you must avoid getting in contact with bodily fluids of your child. This is very important because congenital CMV is among leading causes of deafness, cerebral palsy and mental retardation in newborns.