Healthcare Organization for Children with Cytomegalovirus Infection: A Narrative Review

Background: Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is the most common congenital viral infection worldwide and a major cause of long-term morbidity in children, including sensorineural hearing loss and neurodevelopmental impairment. Despite advances in diagnostics, healthcare delivery for affected children remains fragmented. Objective: The objective of this study was to synthesize recent evidence on healthcare organization for children with CMV infection, focusing on screening, diagnosis, clinical management, and system-level challenges. Methods: A narrative review was conducted using PubMed and Scopus databases. Studies published between 2021 and 2025 were included. Search terms combined cytomegalovirus, pediatric populations, and healthcare organization. Eligible studies addressed screening, diagnosis, management, or healthcare delivery. Data were analyzed thematically. Results: A total of 20 studies were included. Most focused on diagnosis and screening ( n = 6), followed by long-term outcomes ( n = 4). Fewer studies examined healthcare organization ( n = 3) and maternal awareness and prevention ( n = 3), while clinical management and epidemiology were least represented ( n = 2 each). Key gaps included lack of universal screening, delayed diagnosis due to asymptomatic cases at birth, and low awareness among healthcare providers and pregnant women. Fragmented healthcare services and poor multidisciplinary coordination further limited effective care. Conclusion: Healthcare systems remain insufficiently structured to manage pediatric CMV. Strengthening screening programs, improving awareness, and implementing integrated multidisciplinary care pathways are essential to improve early detection and outcomes.