Acquired Cytomegalovirus Infection

Abstract

SINCE the isolation of the first strains of cytomegalovirus1 2 3 their role as pathogens for the fetus has been well documented.4,5 Infection in utero is characterized by generalized disease, which may resemble congenital toxoplasmosis, neonatal hepatitis or sepsis. It is manifested by jaundice, with elevation of the direct bilirubin, a petechial rash, hepatosplenomegaly, microcephaly and psychomotor retardation. This condition (congenital cytomegalic inclusion disease) represents one of the few examples of vertical transmission of an infectious disease in man. Infants affected excrete virus in the urine for months and years after birth4 5 6 —a circumstance unusual in human biology. Because acquired infections . . .