Maternal Cytomegalovirus Excretion and Perinatal Infection

Abstract A prospective study of pregnant women revealed cytomegalovirus excretion from urine or cervix in 12 per cent. Increasing rate of infection with advancing gestation, stable antibody titers and absence of viremia suggested localized infection. Infection present at birth was not documented in any infants, but 40 per cent born to mothers excreting cytomegalovirus in cervical secretions near delivery ultimately became infected. The constancy of the intervals from birth to onset of virus excretion and the lack of evidence for postnatal transmission suggest that infection was acquired at delivery. Acquisition and initial replication of virus occurred despite appreciable levels of maternal antibody. The subsequent rise in antibody titers documents recent infection, but in spite of continued antibody production, chronic viral excretion in throat and urine was observed. These data indicate that most infants infected with cytomegalovirus in the perinatal period are asymptomatic, and continuing infection occ...