Postnatal CMV: An Underestimated Risk for Infant Hearing!

#Cytomegalovirus  #CMV  #Hearing  #Neurodevelopment  #Prevention  #Pediatrics


Postnatal infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common viral disease that primarily affects infants, particularly in regions with a high prevalence of the virus. Generally considered benign in full-term, healthy newborns, the impact of postnatal CMV on auditory and neurological development remains uncertain.

The main challenge associated with this infection lies in its insufficient diagnosis and follow-up. Current neonatal screening programs focus on the congenital form of the infection, neglecting infants infected after birth. This lack of follow-up limits the understanding of long-term consequences and complicates the identification of children at risk for sensory or cognitive disorders. Recent advances in molecular screening techniques allow easier identification of postnatal infection. When combined with early hearing screening programs, they open new perspectives for managing CMV-exposed infants. However, the link between postnatal infection and potential alterations in brain or auditory development remains controversial.