Perinatal Aspects of Cytomegalovirus Infection

Aim. To describe possible mechanisms of intrauterine infection on the fetus in the presence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in the mother, as well as the negative consequences of CMV infection for the fetus and newborn. Key points. The negative impact of CMV infection on the fetus depends on both — its form (acute, latent, primary, reinfection) and the gestational age at which the infection develops. The article presents modern methods to diagnose CMV infection during pregnancy, aimed at validating the presence of an active infectious process (active virus replication) and confirming the CMV nature of organ damage by direct methods of detecting the virus, its antigens and DNA. The article reflects the profit of screening pregnant women for CMV infection, as well as drug treatment with antiviral drugs and specific hyperimmune globulin. Conclusion. The data analysis revealed significant variability and heterogeneity in approaches to screening, diagnosis and treatment of CMV infection in pregnant women. To develop screening programs and clinical protocols for the management of pregnant women with CMV infection, a consensus based on reliable data from randomized clinical trials is required. Keywords: prenatal infection, pregnancy, congenital cytomegalovirus infection, hyperimmune globulin, valaciclovir, cytomegalovirus screening.