Nanocarriers for potential treatment of sensorineural hearing loss and retinitis in congenital cytomegalovirus

Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV), which results from <i>in utero</i> transmission of CMV, is associated with devastating pediatric sequelae, including sensorineural hearing loss and retinitis. Current treatment guidelines suggest treatment with intravenous ganciclovir or oral valganciclovir; however, efficacy is limited by the poor bioavailability and toxicity profiles of the drugs. The latest research on the use of nanoparticles (NPs) to overcome the barriers of current treatments for cCMV-induced hearing loss and retinitis has been examined. The literature search included relevant articles from 1990 to 2025 identified through PubMed, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Various platforms were discussed, including magnetic NPs, liposomes, nanohydrogels, emulsomes, and albumin NPs, which have shown promising results in preclinical animal models. Ganciclovir and oral valganciclovir remain critical therapeutic options for vulnerable immunocompromised patients, primarily for treatment of hearing loss and retinitis. Newer agents are under investigation to develop alternative treatments for cCMV. The current evidence supports the development of new strategies in nanomedicines to be used either alone or in combination with ganciclovir and oral valganciclovir.