Part of the TeachMe Series

Cytomegalovirus Infection

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Original Author(s): Tom McCormack
Last updated: 13th October 2017
Revisions: 10

Original Author(s): Tom McCormack
Last updated: 13th October 2017
Revisions: 10

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Cytomegalovirus is a member of the herpesvirus family (herpesvirus 5). It is the most common virus transmitted to the fetus during pregnancy.

Approximately 1 in 100 women become infected with cytomegalovirus during pregnancy (although most remain asymptomatic). Around one third of maternal CMV infections are then vertically transmitted to the fetus.

However, only 5% of fetal infections will cause CMV related damage to the fetus, with the risk highest in the first trimester.

In this article, we shall look at the clinical features, investigations and management of cytomegalovirus infection during pregnancy.

Fig 1 – Structure of the cytomegalovirus virion.

Clinical Features

Cytomegalovirus infection is usually asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals.

It can occasionally produce a mild flu-like illness. Alternatively, in some patients, it can cause a mononucleosis syndrome (similar to Epstein-Barr); resulting in fever, splenomegaly and impaired liver function.

Investigations

If maternal cytomegalovirus infection is suspected, viral serology for CMV specific IgM and IgG is performed.

A positive test is signified if:

  • Presence of CMV specific IgG in mother previously seronegative (i.e. seroconversion has occurred).
  • Presence of CMV IgM and low IgG avidity (<30%).
    • Note: Avidity refers to the strength with which the antibody binds to the antigen.

Management

All women with confirmed cytomegalovirus infection during pregnancy should be referred to a fetal medicine specialist.

Maternal

In an immunocompetent woman, no treatment of the infection is required.

The licensed anti-CMV drugs (ganciclovir, cidofovir and foscarnet) have potential teratogenic effects and a well-known toxicity profile (haematological and renal), and thus are not recommended for use in pregnancy.

Fetal

Fetal CMV infection can be diagnosed prenatally via amniocentesis and PCR of the resulting amniotic sample. This must be carried out after 21 weeks gestation because functioning fetal kidneys are required for the virus to be excreted into the amniotic fluid.

If fetal CMV infection is confirmed, there is no effective therapy, and termination of pregnancy can be offered. If the woman wishes to continue the pregnancy, serial ultrasound scanning should be performed to assess for manifestations of congenital CMV.

Promising results have been shown in trials using IV CMV specific hyperimmune globulin. Further research is required before widespread adoption of this as a treatment for fetal CMV infection.

Congenital Cytomegalovirus

Neonates born following an intrauterine CMV infection can have several problems:

  • Intrauterine growth restriction
  • Hepatosplenomegaly
  • Thrombocytopaenic purpura
  • Jaundice
  • Microencephaly
  • Chorioretinitis

There is 20-30% mortality in this symptomatic group. This is often due to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), hepatic dysfunction and/or bacterial superinfection.

Babies born without symptoms of CMV infection have a 10-15% chance of developing sequelae of the infection within 2 years. This may include:

  • Sensorineural hearing loss
  • Psychomotor development delay
  • Visual impairment