Risks for CMV Transmission to VLBW Infants

Very-low-birth-weight infants are susceptible to postnatally acquired cytomegalovirus infection, but transmission occurs through virally contaminated breast milk and not blood-product transfusion.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) can be transmitted during gestation or postnatally. CMV-contaminated blood-product transfusions and CMV-contaminated breast milk are thought to be responsible for postnatally acquired infection, and very-low-birth-weight (VLBW; <1500 g) infants are particularly susceptible. In a prospective study conducted between January 2010 and June 2013 at three neonatal intensive care units in Atlanta, researchers assessed risks for postnatal CMV transmission to VLBW infants from these sources.

The study involved 462 mothers, of whom 352 (76.2%) were CMV seropositive, and their 539 VLBW infants. The infants were followed until age 90 days, during which time they had five blood or urine tests for CMV by polymerase chain reaction (PC…

Reviewing Author

Robert S. Baltimore, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsInfectious Diseases in Children

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesMember Committee on Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis and Kawasaki Disease

Robert S. Baltimore, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsInfectious Diseases in Children

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesMember Committee on Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis and Kawasaki Disease

Risks for CMV Transmission to VLBW Infants

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Reviewing Author