Congenital cytomegalovirus infection in high risk newborn

Background: Congenital cytomegalovirus infection (cCMV) is the most frequent cause of congenital infection, 90% of affected newborn (NB) are asymptomatic at birth and 6-15% will develop long term sequalae. It is the main etiology of non-genetic sensorineural hearing loss. Aim: To determine prevalence of CMV in high risk NB. Methods: Cohort prospective study, including inpatient NB with one or more of following criteria: birth weight < 1,500 g, < 32 weeks gestational age (GA), severe small for gestational age (SGA), suspected congenital infection or "refer" in newborn hearing test, also NB to HIV-infected mothers. Urine CMV polymerase chain reaction was performed within 21 day of life. Results: 193 NB were enrolled. Global cCMV prevalence 2.6% (n: 5) and by risk group: one third (n: 1) in NB with suspected congenital infection, 8.3% in NB with "refer" result in hearing test, 4.9% in NB to HIV-infected mothers, 3.3% in severe SGA and 1.7% in < 1,500 g, none with significant association. Only one symptomatic cCMV was detected who died in neonatal period and the remaining (asymptomatic) cCMV patients have normal hearing follow-up. Discussion: Reported prevalence was comparable to international reports. We recommend cCMV screening, at least in risk groups, being ideal the universal screening. This would allow timely treatment and active follow-up.