Screening among Pregnant Women for Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infection — Recommendations in Poland and Selected Countries Worldwide (a Preliminary Study to Investigate the Incidence of Neurological Complications in CMV — Infected Children)

Abstract

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common cause of congenital infections worldwide, yet it remains an underestimated public health problem. There are no international standards for the prevention of vertical transmission of the infection, and the management of pregnant women as well as fetuses with symptoms of infection. The analysis was conducted between December and February 2022. The detailed criteria of inclusion in the analysis included: a separate study group, consisting only of pregnant women regardless of their stage, and statistical analysis of obtained data with particular emphasis on the result of antibodies against CMV antigens in IgG and IgM class. The introduction of universal screening is still controversial. In most countries, routine determination of IgG and IgM antibodies to CMV antigens is not recommended among pregnant women, but these tests are often offered to them independently of nationally approved screening programmes. (JNNN 2022;11(2):83–94).