Cytomegalovirus infection in the mother, fetus and Newborn

Cytomegalovirus infection is an important cause of mental retardation, congenital deafness and damage to the fetus if acquired during pregnancy. Cytomegalovirus is a double stranded herpes DNA virus transmitted by through contact with infected blood, saliva, urine, or genital secretion. Vertical transmission of cytomegalovirus may also occur because of trans-placental infection after primary or recurrent HCMV infection, exposure tocontaminated genital secretions at delivery or during breast feeding. Pregnant women, their primary care providers need to be aware of the risk factors for Cytomegalovirus to assist them to institute practices that will help to lower the risk of congenital infection.