Commentary
Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) epidemiology and awareness

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Abstract

This commentary highlights and discusses the implications of a number of recent studies that refine epidemiologic knowledge of CMV infection and assess awareness of congenital CMV among clinicians and the public. These studies highlight that: (1) congenital CMV results in a disease burden that is substantial and severe; (2) a high proportion of United States women of reproductive age are susceptible to CMV infection; (3) the majority of congenital CMV infections in the United States result from recurrent infections among pregnant women; (4) CMV seroprevalence and seroincidence are much higher among racial/ethnic minorities and persons of lower socioeconomic status (SES); (5) household transmission of CMV appears to be an important transmission route in the United States; (6) sexual transmission of CMV appears to be an important transmission route in some population sub-groups in the United States; (7) women have limited awareness and knowledge about congenital CMV; (8) most obstetrician/gynecologists do not counsel women about prevention of congenital CMV; (9) most women view CMV prevention messages positively.

Section snippets

Findings

Over the past 50 years, numerous studies have illuminated the epidemiology of congenital CMV infection and disease. This commentary highlights and discusses the implications of a number of recent studies that refine epidemiologic knowledge of CMV infection and assess awareness of congenital CMV among clinicians and the public.

Implications

The burden of disease caused by congenital CMV highlights the urgent need for prevention and treatment options. Many United States women of reproductive age are CMV seronegative and thus are in need of interventions to prevent primary CMV infection. There is also a need to develop methods of preventing recurrent CMV infections, since recurrent maternal infections are responsible for the majority of congenital CMV infections in the United States and other countries. Additional studies are needed

Conflict of interest

The author has no conflicts of interest to report.

Acknowledgment

I thank Dr. Stephanie Bialek for helpful comments.

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    Disclaimer: The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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