Strengthening the fight against congenital cytomegalovirus infection: The central role of laboratory diagnostics
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63719/imrj.2026.01(SE).03Keywords:
congenital infection, Human Cytomegalovirus, laboratory diagnosis, maternal screening, neonatal screeningAbstract
Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection is the leading infectious cause of permanent birth defects and neurodevelopmental disabilities worldwide, particularly non-genetic sensorineural hearing loss. In recent decades, increased global awareness of the risks of cCMV infection during pregnancy has led to improved screening initiatives and expanded research efforts. However, early detection remains a challenge, leading to a significant global health and economic burden. In view of the limitations of current diagnostic tools, particularly in low-resource settings, it is imperative to have a rapid, sensitive, suitable and affordable diagnostic tool, with systematic strategies that facilitate early diagnosis of cCMV infection to enable timely interventions and improve disease outcome. This review provides an overview of laboratory diagnostic methods and their roles in mitigating the burden of cCMV infection and the associated morbidity and mortality.
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