Incidence of congenital cytomegalovirus infection in Ireland: Implications for screening and diagnosis

摘要: Abstract Background Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) causes serious intrauterine infection and is the leading cause of sensorineural hearing loss. In absence routine screening, asymptomatic infections, which constitute approximately 90% all cCMV cases, remain undiagnosed; however many clinical abnormalities manifest later in childhood. Objectives The aims present study were to determine, for first time, incidence a large maternity hospital Dublin city optimal sampling method neonatal screening. Study design A pilot screening infants born was conducted over 12-month period. Mothers consented neonates screened evidence CMV (n = 1044). Urine or saliva tested presence DNA reactive results confirmed with follow-up testing evaluation. Results 0.19%. An overall extrapolated based on total number live-births data from those routinely during period, estimated as 0.23%. Neonatal urine collection proved prohibitive mass However, rapid, sensitive suitable Furthermore, low prevalence population, pooling patient samples effective cost-efficient. Conclusions concluded that there significant burden undiagnosed Ireland. introduction viable, could be considered part national newborn programme, following cost-benefit analysis.