Universal Screening With Use of Immunoglobulin G Avidity for Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection

Recent HCMV infection in early pregnancy associates with congenital transmission & adverse pregnancy outcome: A prospective cohort study

Background & objectives Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection, leading to >90 per cent seropositivity in women of reproductive age from India, is the largest cause of congenital infections worldwide. HCMV infection status was prospectively monitored together with congenital transmission (cCMV) and adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO) in a public health setting where maternal or neonatal screening was not in practice. Methods Eighty three pregnant women, with (n=45) and without (n=38) bad obstetric history (BOH), were monitored for HCMV infection by ELISA-(IgM, IgG, IgG avidity) for all TORCH (Toxoplasma, Rubella, HCMV, HSV 1 & 2) pathogens along with HCMV-specific chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Descriptive statistics were applied on data sets to determine associations between maternal infection status, pregnancy outcome and cCMV in 52 mother-neonate dyads. Results Combined avidity, PCR-based and HCMV IgM screening, compared to the latter alone, was successful in identifying incident infection during early pregnancy. Pregnancy loss was associated strongly with BOH and concurrent HCMV infection. Features associated with APO and cCMV, were high PCR positivity (first trimester) and high rates of HCMV-specific IgM and intermediate IgG avidity (P=0.0211, 0.0455). Also, recent HCMV infection (intermediate IgG avidity), observed mainly in the BOH group, but not recurrent infection (IgM positivity), in first and second trimesters, was associated with neonatal saliva positivity and adverse outcomes, including neonatal death (P=0.0762). Exposure to other TORCH pathogens, while detected, did not include IgM positivity or low/intermediate IgG. Conclusion This study highlights the significance of conducting early, multi-pronged screening for maternal HCMV infection during pregnancy, especially in public health settings with high HCMV seroprevalence.

mTOR inhibitors potentially preserve fertility in female patients with haematopoietic malignancies: a narrative review

Haematologic malignancies are considered among the more common adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancers. Many female AYA patients with haematopoietic malignancies face impaired fertility. Haematologic malignancies patients tend to be treated with more aggressive systemic chemotherapy than that of solid tumours. In adult women, treatment-related contraception causes age-related fertility loss. Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation is associated with decreased fertility. Ovarian cryopreservation is often indicated for haematopoietic malignancies; however, follicle loss associated with ovarian cryopreservation and ovarian minimal residual disease, which result in the withdrawal of the transplantation, are important issues. These problems may not be fully addressed by conventional methods of fertility preservation, such as oocyte, embryo, and ovarian cryopreservation, leaving room for research into new treatment approaches, such as fertility preservation drugs. In recent years, preclinical studies have shown that mTOR inhibitors may preserve chemotherapy-induced follicular loss, may have follicle-preserving effects on follicle loss associated with cryopreservation and transplantation of ovarian tissue, may have fertility-preserving effects on aging-related infertility. Clinical studies have shown that mTOR inhibitors may have the potential for indirect fertility preservation by controlling GVHD, have a limited anti-tumor effect against haematopoietic malignancies. The purpose of this article is to outline the various issues faced by female survivors of haematopoietic malignancies and discuss the potential of mTOR inhibitors as a safe treatment option. Based on current research, mTOR inhibitors seem promising and innovative fertility preservation agents regarding preclinical conditions, and further study, including clinical trials, should be expected.

Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection in Japan 2023: Executive Summary

Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection is the most common congenital infection in developed countries. Although a standard therapy has not yet been established, evidence for the management of cCMV infection has been accumulating. The first edition of the "Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection" was published in Japan in 2023. This summary outlines the clinical questions (CQs) in the guidelines, with reference to the Japanese Medical Information Distribution Service Manual. Overall, 20 CQs with statements regarding prenatal risk assessment, prevention and management at diagnosis (CQs 1-1-1-3), diagnosis (CQs 2-1-2-6), treatment (CQs 3-1-3-7) and follow-up requirements (CQs 4-1-4-4) have been discussed. For each statement, the levels of recommendation, evidence and consensus rates were determined. These guidelines will assist in the management of patients with cCMV infection.

Vaccine value profile for cytomegalovirus

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common infectious cause of congenital malformation and a leading cause of developmental disabilities such as sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), motor and cognitive deficits. The significant disease burden from congenital CMV infection (cCMV) led the US National Institute of Medicine to rank CMV vaccine development as the highest priority. An average of 6.7/1000 live births are affected by cCMV, but the prevalence varies across and within countries. In contrast to other congenital infections such as rubella and toxoplasmosis, the prevalence of cCMV increases with CMV seroprevalence rates in the population. The true global burden of cCMV disease is likely underestimated because most infected infants (85-90 %) have asymptomatic infection and are not identified. However, about 7-11 % of those with asymptomatic infection will develop SNHL throughout early childhood. Although no licensed CMV vaccine exists, several candidate vaccines are in development, including one currently in phase 3 trials. Licensure of one or more vaccine candidates is feasible within the next five years. Various models of CMV vaccine strategies employing different target populations have shown to provide substantial benefit in reducing cCMV. Although CMV can cause end-organ disease with significant morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised individuals, the focus of this vaccine value profile (VVP) is on preventing or reducing the cCMV disease burden. This CMV VVP provides a high-level, comprehensive assessment of the currently available data to inform the potential public health, economic, and societal value of CMV vaccines. The CMV VVP was developed by a working group of subject matter experts from academia, public health groups, policy organizations, and non-profit organizations. All contributors have extensive expertise on various elements of the CMV VVP and have described the state of knowledge and identified the current gaps. The VVP was developed using only existing and publicly available information.

Integrated immune monitoring of HCMV infection in pregnant women with complications and its association with adverse pregnancy outcomes

Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is associated with bad obstetric history (BOH) and adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO). Here, we characterized antiviral humoral profiles, systemic and virus specific cellular immune responses concurrently in pregnant women (n = 67) with complications including BOH and associated these signatures with pregnancy outcomes. Infection status was determined using nested blood PCR, seropositivity and IgG avidity by ELISA. Systemic and HCMV specific (pp65) cellular immune responses were evaluated by flow cytometry. Seropositivity was determined for other TORCH pathogens (n = 33) on samples with recorded pregnancy outcomes. This approach was more sensitive in detecting HCMV infection. Blood PCR positive participants, irrespective of their IgG avidity status, had higher cytotoxic potential in circulating CD8+ T cells (p < 0.05) suggesting that infection associated cellular dysfunction was uncoupled with avidity maturation of antiviral humoral responses. Also, impaired anamnestic degranulation of HCMV-pp65-specific T cells compared to HCMV blood PCR negative participants (p < 0.05) was observed. APO correlated with HCMV blood PCR positivity but not serostatus (p = 0.0039). Most HCMV IgM positive participants (5/6) were HCMV blood PCR positive with APO. None were found to be IgM positive for other TORCH pathogens. Multiple TORCH seropositivity however was significantly enriched in the APO group (p = 0.024). Generation of HCMV specific high avidity IgG antibodies had no bearing on APO (p = 0.9999). Our study highlights the utility of an integrated screening approach for antenatal HCMV infection in the context of BOH, where infection is associated with systemic and virus specific cellular immune dysfunction as well as APO.

Fetal Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Abnormalities in Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection Associated with and without Fetal Growth Restriction

Congenital cytomegalovirus infection (cCMV) can cause fetal growth restriction (FGR) and severe sequelae in affected infants. Clinicians generally suspect cCMV based on multiple ultrasound (US) findings associated with cCMV. However, no studies have assessed the diagnostic accuracy of fetal US for cCMV-associated abnormalities in FGR. Eight FGR and 10 non-FGR fetuses prenatally diagnosed with cCMV were examined by undergoing periodic detailed US examinations, as well as postnatal physical and imaging examinations. The diagnostic accuracy of prenatal US for cCMV-associated abnormalities was compared between FGR and non-FGR fetuses with cCMV. The diagnostic sensitivity rates of fetal US for cCMV-related abnormalities in FGR vs. non-FGR fetuses were as follows: ventriculomegaly, 66.7% vs. 88.9%; intracranial calcification, 20.0% vs. 20.0%; cysts and pseudocysts in the brain, 0% vs. 0%; ascites, 100.0% vs. 100.0%; hepatomegaly, 40.0% vs. 100.0%; splenomegaly, 0% vs. 0%. The diagnostic sensitivity of fetal US for hepatomegaly and ventriculomegaly in FGR fetuses with cCMV was lower than that in non-FGR fetuses with cCMV. The prevalence of severe long-term sequelae (e.g., bilateral hearing impairment, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and severe developmental delay) in the CMV-infected fetuses with FGR was higher, albeit non-significantly. Clinicians should keep in mind the possibility of overlooking the symptoms of cCMV in assessing fetuses with FGR.

The cost-effectiveness of maternal and neonatal screening for congenital cytomegalovirus infection in Japan

Congenital cytomegalovirus infection is the most common congenital infection. Using a decision tree model, cost-effectiveness of maternal screening with subsequent prenatal valacyclovir treatment and newborn screening with neonatal valganciclovir treatment was evaluated. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated for (1) universal maternal antibody screening with prenatal valacyclovir treatment compared to targeted newborn screening, and (2) universal newborn screening with postnatal valganciclovir treatment compared to targeted newborn screening. We performed a one-way sensitivity analysis. Compared to targeted newborn screening, the ICERs for universal newborn screening and maternal screening were 2 966 296 Japanese Yen (JPY) (21 188 USD) and 1 026 984 JPY (7336 USD), respectively. In all scenarios in the one-way sensitivity analysis, the ICERs of the maternal screening and the universal newborn screening strategies were less than three gross domestic product per capita compared with the targeted newborn screening strategy. Both maternal and universal newborn screening strategies may be cost-effective than a targeted newborn screening program. The potential utility of the maternal screening with valacyclovir treatment strategy, while potentially cost effective in regions with lower baseline seroprevalence rates, requires further study as the modeling was based on limited evidence.

Pitfalls in the Serological Evaluation of Maternal Cytomegalovirus Infection as a Potential Cause of Fetal and Neonatal Involvements: A Narrative Literature Review

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common cause of intrauterine infection and serological assays are the primary tools for assessing CMV infections during pregnancy. CMV-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies have been used as a diagnostic marker for primary CMV infection in pregnant women, although CMV-IgM has been detected in non-primary CMV infections. IgG avidity testing may aid the distinguishing of primary from non-primary CMV infection; however, there is no standardized assay for detecting this difference. Moreover, when maternal serology shows positive CMV-IgG with negative CMV-IgM findings, vertical transmission probability following primary CMV infection is often excluded. However, symptomatic congenital CMV infections in the context of negative findings for maternal CMV-IgM have been reported recently. The absence of CMV-IgM is recognized in both primary and non-primary CMV infections. Furthermore, maternal non-primary CMV infections during pregnancy may yield a greater proportion of symptomatic congenital CMV infections than previously thought. If universal prenatal screening is performed, ultrasonography for abnormal fetal findings should be conducted regardless of CMV-IgM antibody status. If not universally screened, CMV antibody screening should be performed whenever routine fetal ultrasound reveals abnormal findings. For suspected fetal CMV infection, amniotic fluid or postnatal infant urine CMV-DNA testing is required.

Isolated Ventriculomegaly and Cytomegalovirus Infection during Pregnancy: A Case Report and Diagnostic Challenges

INTRODUCTION Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most frequent cause of congenital viral infection, associated with developmental delay, sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and fetal death. Primary infection during first trimester is associated with poor prognosis and a higher risk for neurological damage such as mental retardation, cerebral palsy or behavior spectrum disorders. Short interval between infection and ultrasound manifestations is a poor prognostic marker. CASE PRESENTATION The authors present a case of an acute cytomegalovirus infection with isolated ventriculomegaly, diagnosed at 16 gestational weeks. A review of the literature about screening and diagnostic challenges for CMV infection during pregnancy was done, emphasizing the bad prognosis in cases with early primary infection and the need for regular screening programs and prevention. CONCLUSION Screening for anti CMV IgM / IgG and IgG avidity in all pregnant women could be recommended to identify risk groups and improve diagnostic capabilities.

Non-primary CMV infection not always innocent. A case-report and literature review

OBJECTIVES

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common infectious cause of congenital malformations. CMV infections are frequently symptomatic in case of a primary infection during pregnancy. Generally, maternal immunity protects the newborn against a symptomatic course of the CMV infection.

METHODS

We present clinical information and medical images of a neonate with non-primary congenital CMV infection.

RESULTS

We report the case of a severe congenital infection in a newborn clinically presenting with diffuse petechia, facial dysmorphisms, respiratory distress, hepatomegaly and hypotonia. The girl was born to a mother with CMV immunity. Blood results demonstrated thrombocytopenia and elevated transaminases. Brain MRI revealed ventricular dilatation and germinolytic cysts, compatible with CMV infection. Auditory brain stem response testing was abnormal. CMV culture of saliva was positive. This led to the diagnosis of a severe congenital CMV infection due to a non-primary maternal infection. Antiviral treatment with valganciclovir was initiated immediately and continued for 6 months.

CONCLUSION

Our case illustrates that, even when the mother was demonstrated CMV immune, congenital CMV infection is still an important differential diagnostic consideration in neonates presenting with congenital cerebral abnormalities, thrombocytopenia and/or hearing loss.

ABBREVIATIONS

ABR: auditory brainstem responses; CMV: Cytomegalovirus; CPAP: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure; CRP: C-Reactive Protein; dBnHL: Decibel Above Normal Adult Hearing Level; IV: intravenously; MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging; SGA: Small for Gestational Age; SNHL: Sensorineural Hearing Loss.

The Current Challenges in Developing Biological and Clinical Predictors of Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection

Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection may cause severe long-term sequelae. Recent studies have demonstrated that early antiviral therapy for infants with symptomatic congenital CMV (cCMV) infection may improve neurological outcomes; thus, accurate identification of newborns at high risk of cCMV infection may contribute to improved outcomes in affected children. However, maternal serological screening for cCMV infection by diagnosing primary infection during pregnancy, which is a popular screening strategy, is inefficient, because the number of cCMV infections with nonprimary causes, including reactivation of or reinfection with CMV, is larger than that of cCMV infections with primary causes. Low levels of neutralizing antibodies against pentameric complex and potent CMV-specific T cell-mediated immune responses are associated with an increased risk of cCMV infection. Conversely, our prospective cohort studies revealed that the presence of maternal fever/flu-like symptoms, threatened miscarriage/premature delivery, or actual premature delivery are risk factors for cCMV infection among both women with normal pregnancies and those with high-risk ones, regardless of whether the infection is primary or nonprimary. This review focused on host immune responses to human CMV and current knowledge of potential biological and clinical factors that are predictive of cCMV infection.

Change in Viral Load during Antiviral Therapy Is Not Useful for the Prediction of Hearing Dysfunction in Symptomatic Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection

For symptomatic congenital cytomegalovirus infections (CCMVI), the usefulness of changes in viral load during valganciclovir (VGCV) treatment for the prediction of hearing dysfunction (HD) is unclear. To determine the utility of viral load change in the whole blood or urine for the prediction of HD, we performed a retrospective study to compare viral load changes during VGCV treatment between CCMVI infants with (n = 12) or without (n = 8) HD at six months of corrected age, whose blood and urine viral loads were measured continuously for eight weeks from April 2009 to December 2019. There was no significant difference in the changes in both the blood and urine viral loads after the initiation of VGCV treatment between CCMVI infants between the groups. Moreover, this negative result was maintained in the analysis for each six weeks or six months treatment period. In conclusion, the change in viral load during antiviral therapy is not useful for the prediction of HD at six months of corrected age in symptomatic CCMVI.

Characteristics and serology of pregnant women with cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin G seroconversion during pregnancy in Japan

OBJECTIVE

Investigate the characteristics and serology of pregnant women with cytomegalovirus (CMV) immunoglobulin (Ig)G seroconversion during pregnancy to understand the risk factors associated with primary CMV infection and the occurrence of fetal congenital CMV infection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively studied 3202 pregnant women who were CMV IgG-negative in early pregnancy and were retested for IgG in late pregnancy. Characteristics were compared between participants with and without IgG seroconversion, and serological parameters were compared between participants with and without fetal congenital CMV infection.

RESULTS

Twenty-six participants showed CMV IgG seroconversion and fifteen showed fetal congenital CMV infection. Seroconversion rates were significantly higher in teens (5.0%) than in older women (20s: 0.8%; 30s and over: 0.6%) (p < 0.001). Titers of CMV IgM at IgG seroconversion were higher in women without (median 8.66) than with (median 6.54) congenital infection (p = 0.045). The congenital infection rate was high when IgM titers at IgG seroconversion were low (47.1% with 4.00-12.00 titers and 100% with 1.21-3.99 IgM titers) (p = 0.048).

CONCLUSIONS

Nulliparous pregnant teenagers have a high risk of CMV IgG seroconversion and the CMV IgM titer at IgG seroconversion may help predict the occurrence of fetal congenital CMV infection.

Clinical Factors Associated With Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection: A Cohort Study of Pregnant Women and Newborns

BACKGROUND

The aim of this prospective cohort study was to determine clinical factors associated with the occurrence of congenital cytomegalovirus infection (cCMV) in pregnant women.

METHODS

Between March 2009 and November 2017, newborns born at a primary maternity hospital received polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses for CMV DNA in their urine with informed consent of the mothers at a low risk. Clinical data, including age, gravidity, parity, body mass index, occupation, maternal fever/flulike symptoms, pregnancy complications, gestational weeks at delivery, birth weight, and automated auditory brainstem response, were collected. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine clinical factors associated with cCMV.

RESULTS

cCMV was diagnosed by positive PCR results of neonatal urine in 9 of 4125 pregnancies. Univariate and multivariable analyses revealed that the presence of fever/flulike symptoms (odds ratio [OR], 17.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.7-86.7; P < .001) and threatened miscarriage/premature labor in the second trimester (OR, 6.0; 95% CI, 1.6-22.8; P < .01) were independent clinical factors associated with cCMV. Maternal fever/flulike symptoms or threatened miscarriage/premature labor in the second trimester had 100% sensitivity, 53.2% specificity, and a maximum Youden index of .85.

CONCLUSIONS

This cohort study for the first time demonstrated that these clinical factors of pregnant women and newborns were associated with the occurrence of cCMV. This is useful information for targeted screening to assess risks of cCMV in low-risk mothers, irrespective of primary or nonprimary CMV infection.

Primary cytomegalovirus infection during pregnancy and congenital infection: a population-based, mother-child, prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed maternal cytomegalovirus antibodies, and the occurrence of primary and congenital cytomegalovirus infections, and risk factors of congenital infection after a maternal primary infection.

STUDY DESIGN

We included 19,435 pregnant women in Japan, who were tested for serum cytomegalovirus antibodies before 20 gestational weeks. Immunoglobulin (Ig) G avidity was evaluated in women with both IgG and IgM antibodies; tests were repeated at ≥28 gestational weeks among women without IgG and IgM antibodies.

RESULT

Primary and congenital infections were 162 and 23 cases, respectively. The risk ratios for congenital infection were 8.18 (95% confidence interval: 2.44-27.40) in teenage versus older women, and 2.25 (95% confidence interval: 1.28-3.94) in parity ≥ 2 versus parity ≤ 1. Of 22 live birth congenital infection cases, three had abnormal neurological findings.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated teenage and parity ≥ 2 pregnant women as risk factors of post-primary congenital infection.

Cytomegalovirus infection in pregnancy - An update

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a ubiquitous DNA virus with a global seroprevalence of 83 %. It is the most common pathogen causing teratogenic congenital infection. It is therefore a major public health concern. Maternal infection is associated with congenital CMV (cCMV), the leading cause of non-genetic sensorineural hearing loss. cCMV also causes impairment of cognitive development and cerebral palsy. Transmission of CMV occurs through direct contact with bodily fluids such as saliva, urine or semen from someone who is actively shedding the virus. Transmission rates are higher after primary infection with the rate of transmission increasing with gestational age. Severe fetal effects are however more common when infection occurs before 20weeks. Past infection does not confer immunity to mother or protect the fetus. cCMV may present with cerebral or extracerebral abnormalities on ultrasound, fetal growth restriction and fetal loss. Diagnosis of primary maternal CMV in pregnancy should be based on seroconversion in pregnancy (de novo appearance of virus-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the serum of pregnant women who were previously seronegative) or on detection of specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG antibodies in association with low IgG avidity. Prenatal diagnosis of fetal CMV is imperfect and based on amniocentesis performed at least 8 weeks after presumed maternal infection and after 17 weeks of gestation. Hygiene information and education of pregnant women is currently the most effective strategy for prevention of CMV infection. The role of vaccines, antiviral drugs and immunoglobulins remains unproven.

Clinical and ultrasound features associated with congenital cytomegalovirus infection as potential predictors for targeted newborn screening in high-risk pregnancies

This prospective cohort study aimed to determine clinical factors associated with congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in pregnancy. Newborns born at a perinatal medical center received PCR analyses for CMV-DNA in their urine with informed consent. Clinical data, including age, maternal fever or flu-like symptoms, complications, ultrasound fetal abnormality, gestational weeks at delivery, and birth weight, were collected. Logistic regression analyses determined clinical findings associated with congenital CMV infection (cCMV). cCMV was diagnosed in 32 of 4380 pregnancies. Univariate and multivariable analyses revealed that age < 25 years old (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.1–6.6; p < 0.05), the presence of maternal fever or flu-like symptoms (5.4, 2.6–11.2; p < 0.01), ultrasound fetal abnormalities (12.7, 5.8–27.7; p < 0.01), and preterm delivery at less than 34 gestational weeks (2.6, 1.1–6.0; p < 0.05) were independent clinical findings associated with cCMV. A combination of maternal fever/flu-like symptoms, ultrasound fetal abnormalities, or preterm delivery at less than 34 gestational weeks as optimal predictive factors showed 90.6% sensitivity, 66.4% specificity, and a maximum Youden index of 0.57. CMV-DNA tests in the urine of newborns born to mothers with these clinical manifestations may be an effective method in detecting cCMV as a targeted screening with a high sensitivity.

Human Cytomegalovirus Infection in Women With Preexisting Immunity: Sources of Infection and Mechanisms of Infection in the Presence of Antiviral Immunity

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection remains an important cause of neurodevelopmental sequelae in infants infected in utero. Unique to the natural history of perinatal HCMV infections is the occurrence of congenital HCMV infections (cCMV) in women with existing immunity to HCMV, infections that have been designated as nonprimary maternal infection. In maternal populations with a high HCMV seroprevalence, cCMV that follows nonprimary maternal infections accounts for 75%-90% of all cases of cCMV infections as well as a large proportion of infected infants with neurodevelopmental sequelae. Although considerable effort has been directed toward understanding immune correlates that can modify maternal infections and intrauterine transmission, the source of virus leading to nonprimary maternal infections and intrauterine transmission is not well defined. Previous paradigms that included reactivation of latent virus as the source of infection in immune women have been challenged by studies demonstrating acquisition and transmission of antigenically distinct viruses, a finding suggesting that reinfection through exposure to an exogenous virus is responsible for some cases of nonprimary maternal infection. Additional understanding of the source(s) of virus that leads to nonprimary maternal infection will be of considerable value in the development and testing of interventions such as vaccines designed to limit the incidence of cCMV in populations with high HCMV seroprevalence.

Cytomegalovirus shedding in seropositive healthy women of reproductive age in Tianjin, China

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) enters latency after primary infection and can reactivate periodically with virus excreted in body fluids which can be called shedding. CMV shedding during the early stage of pregnancy is associated with adverse pregnancy outcome. The shedding pattern in healthy seropositive women who plan to have babies has not been well characterised. Vaginal swabs, urine and blood were collected from 1262 CMV IgG-positive women who intended to have babies and tested for CMV DNA by fluorogenic quantitative PCR method. Serum IgM was also detected. The association between sociodemographic characteristics and CMV shedding prevalence was analysed. Among 1262 seropositive women, 12.8% (161/1262) were detected CMV DNA positive in at least one body fluid. CMV DNA was more frequently detected in vaginal secretion (10.5%) than in urine (3.2%) and blood (0.6%) also with higher viral loads (P < 0.00). CMV shedding was more likely detected in IgM-positive women than IgM-negative women (29.5% (13/44) vs. 12.2% (148/1218); OR 3.03, 95% CI 1.55–5.93; P = 0.001). CMV shedding in vaginal secretion was highly correlated with shedding in urine, the immune state of IgM, the adverse pregnant history and younger age. CMV shedding was more commonly detected in vaginal secretion than in urine or blood with higher viral loads among healthy seropositive women of reproductive age. Further studies are needed to figure out whether the shedding is occasional or continuous and whether it is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Assessment of Risk Indicators for Targeted Cytomegalovirus Screening in Neonates

BACKGROUND

In the absence of universal screening for congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection, the aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of a targeted screening protocol based on maternal and neonatal risk indicators.

METHODS

The medical records of 2,623 neonates born in our maternal hospital between June 2016 and December 2018 and screened for cCMV infection were reviewed. Among those of the included neonates, the records of 380 CMV-negative and 19 CMV-positive neonates were randomly assigned to obtain additional comparative data.

RESULTS

During the study period, a total of 63 neonates were identified as positive for cCMV, comprising 0.2% of the total birth cohort (63/28,982) and 2.4% of all neonates screened for cCMV (63/2,623). The comparative data analysis showed that suspected or confirmed CMV infection during pregnancy, maternal age, and maternal diabetes mellitus were found to be significantly associated with a positive cCMV diagnosis. Although symmetric small for gestational age and hearing screening failure contributed to the detection of some of the CMV-positive infants, these factors were not specific to this group. The results of the logistic regression model showed that the only factor that was significantly associated with an increased risk for a cCMV diagnosis was maternal serology suspected of CMV infection during pregnancy, with a regression coefficient estimate of 2.657 (adjusted p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A targeted neonatal screening protocol based on multiple maternal and neonatal risk indicators is feasible but provides limited information. Our study emphasizes the importance of universal neonatal screening for the detection of neonates with cCMV.

Prediction of Neurodevelopmental Impairment in Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection by Early Postnatal Magnetic Resonance Imaging

INTRODUCTION

Congenital cytomegalovirus infection (CCMVI) may result in neurodevelopmental impairments (NDIs) such as hearing loss, developmental delay, epilepsy, and cerebral palsy. We aimed to investigate the potential for brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to predict NDI in patients with CCMVI.

METHODS

We studied infants with CCMVI who were referred to our hospital from April 2010 to October 2018 and underwent a brain MRI within 3 months since birth. We screened for 6 classic presentations of CCMVI including ventriculomegaly, periventricular cysts, hippocampal dysplasia, cerebellar hypoplasia, migration disorders, and white matter abnormalities. Images were interpreted by a blinded pediatric radiologist. NDI was defined as having a developmental quotient <80, hearing dysfunction, blindness, or epilepsy requiring anti-epileptic drugs at approximately 18 months of corrected age.

RESULTS

The study involved 42 infants with CCMVI (median gestational age 38 weeks, birthweight 2,516 g). At least one abnormal finding was detected in 28 (67%) infants. Abnormal findings consisted of 3 cerebellar hypoplasia (7%), 7 migration disorders (17%), 26 white matter abnormalities (62%), 12 periventricular cysts (28%), 1 hippocampal dysplasia (2%), and 20 ventriculomegaly (48%). Abnormal findings were significantly more prevalent in infants with clinical symptoms (21/24, 91%) than in those without (7/19, 37%, p < 0.01). For NDI prediction, having ≥2 of ventriculomegaly, periventricular cysts, and white matter abnormality produced the highest Youden index values (0.78).

CONCLUSION

Infants with CCMVI with at least 2 of the abovementioned specific brain image abnormalities may be at high risk of developing NDI.

Performance of Zika Assays in the Context of Toxoplasma gondii, Parvovirus B19, Rubella Virus, and Cytomegalovirus (TORCH) Diagnostic Assays

Infections during pregnancy that may cause congenital abnormalities have been recognized for decades, but their diagnosis is challenging. This was again illustrated with the emergence of Zika virus (ZIKV), highlighting the inherent difficulties in estimating the extent of pre- and postnatal ZIKV complications because of the difficulties in establishing definitive diagnoses. We reviewed the epidemiology, infection kinetics, and diagnostic methods used for Toxoplasma gondii, parvovirus B19, rubella virus, and cytomegalovirus (TORCH) infections and compared the results with current knowledge of ZIKV diagnostic assays to provide a basis for the inclusion of ZIKV in the TORCH complex evaluations. Similarities between TORCH pathogens and ZIKV support inclusion of ZIKV as an emerging TORCH infection. Our review evaluates the diagnostic performance of various TORCH diagnostic assays for maternal screening, fetal screening, and neonatal screening. We show that the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value of TORCH complex pathogens are widely variable, stressing the importance of confirmatory testing and the need for novel techniques for earlier and accurate diagnosis of maternal and congenital infections. In this context it is also important to acknowledge different needs and access to care for different geographic and resource settings.

Hearing Loss With Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we determined the prevalence of hearing loss in 157 children with proven congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection. We looked at possible risk determinants for developing hearing loss and proposed recommendations for screening and follow-up in the newborn.

METHODS

In a prospective 22-year study, 157 children with proven cCMV infection were evaluated for sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). The development of SNHL was correlated with the type of maternal infection (primary versus nonprimary), the gestational age of maternal primary infection, imaging findings at birth, and the presence of symptomatic or asymptomatic infection in the newborn.

RESULTS

Of all children, 12.7% had SNHL, and 5.7% needed hearing amplification because of SNHL. Improvement, progression, and fluctuations of hearing thresholds were seen in 45%, 53.8%, and 5.7% of the children, respectively. Hearing loss was more common in the case of a symptomatic infection at birth (P = .017), after a maternal primary infection in the first trimester of pregnancy (P = .029), and in the presence of abnormalities on a neonatal brain ultrasound and/or MRI (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

SNHL is a common sequela in children with cCMV infection. Risk factors for SNHL were primary maternal infections before the 14th week of pregnancy, the presence of a disseminated infection at birth, and imaging abnormalities in the newborn. These children may benefit from a more thorough investigation for SNHL than children who do not present with those risk factors.

Diagnostic Value of Cytomegalovirus IgM Antibodies at Birth in PCR-Confirmed Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection

Although cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA detection in urine is the standard method for diagnosing congenital cytomegalovirus infection (CCMVI), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is not comprehensively available. Currently, the efficacy of CMV-specific IgM (CMV-IgM) and CMV-specific IgG (CMV-IgG) detection remains unclear. To determine the sensitivity and specificity of CMV-specific antibodies at birth, we investigated CMV-IgM and CMV-IgG titers in CCMVI cases and non-CCMVI controls, with confirmed diagnoses by urine quantitative real-time PCR within 3 weeks after birth. We included 174 infants with suspected CCMVI in whom serological testing was performed within the first 2 weeks after birth during 2012–2018. We classified the participants into a CCMVI group (n = 32) and non-CCMVI group (n = 142) based on their urine PCR results. The CMV-IgM-positive rate was 27/32 (84.4%) in the CCMVI group, compared with 1/142 (0.7%) in the non-CCMVI group (p < 0.0001). The positive CMV-IgG rates were 32/32 (100%) in the CCMVI group and 141/142 (99.3%) in the non-CCMVI group. The positive predictive value for CMV-IgM was high at 96.4% (27/28). This value may be sufficient for clinical use, especially in settings with limited resources where PCR is unavailable. However, CCMVI screening by CMV-IgM alone appears insufficient because of the considerable number of false-negative cases.

Evaluation of the indirect and IgM-capture anti-human cytomegalovirus IgM ELISA methods as confirmed by cytomegalovirus IgG avidity

Primary cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection during pregnancy often results in congenital CMV infection with severe clinical complications. IgM antibodies are one of the indices of primary infection. The IgG avidity index (AI) is also known to remain low for 3 months after primary infection. Here, we evaluated and compared the performance of CMV IgM and IgG avidity assays. Because sensitivity and specificity reportedly differ between CMV IgM kits, CMV IgM detection was compared between the two commercially available ELISA kits that are most commonly used in Japan. Sera for CMV IgM were first screened using a traditional indirect ELISA kit. Selected samples were then tested for CMV IgM and CMV AI using a CMV IgM-capture ELISA kit and a CMV IgG avidity assay, respectively. The rate of concordance between the IgM kits was 89% (42/47), indicating the absence of any significant difference. Most of the CMV IgM-positive plasma samples showed high CMV IgG AI; however, 18 commercially available plasma samples with low CMV IgG AI were all CMV IgM-positive. One plausible explanation for this discrepancy is that the duration of low IgG AI is shorter than that of IgM positivity. Alternatively, CMV IgM tests may generate pseudo-positive readouts in cases of congenital infection. Nevertheless, our study confirms that CMV IgG AI can be a reliable indicator of CMV primary infection.

Prognostic influence of toll-like receptor 4 gene polymorphism into community-acquired pneumonia course among young patients with cytomegalovirus persistence

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to determine the predictive role of TLR4 polymorphism in CAP course among young cytomegalovirus-positive patients.

Subjects and Methods:

One hundred and five patients with pneumonia (age range: 18–44 years) and 61 healthy respondents were observed clinically and specifically (by cytomegalovirus markers and TLR4 + 3725 G/C polymorphism).

Results:

Among CAP patients, there were 51 male (48.6%) and 54 female (51.4%), with average age 34.1 ± 0.8 years, and there were 19 (18.1%) patients with Pneumonia Patient Outcomes Research Team (PORT) I, 46 (43.8%) patients with PORT II, 31 (29.5%) patients with PORT III, and 9 (8.6%) patients with PORT IV. Cytomegalovirus persistence was detected in 80 (48.2%) patients and 34 (20.5%) healthy respondents (P = 0.003). G/G genotype of TLR4 signaling was found in 78 (74%) patients with pneumonia, G/C in 24 (23%) patients, and C/C in 3 (3%) patients. Among G/C patients, there were 16.2% cytomegalovirus-positive patients versus 6.7% negative patients (P < 0.05), as well as among G/G patients, and there were 59% versus 15,2%, accordingly (P < 0.01). The patients of the main group with G/G genotype were characterized by mostly mild (PORT I – 15 [14.3%]) and moderate pneumonia severity (PORT II – 32 [30.5%] and PORT III – 26 [24.8%] patients). The patients with G/C genotype were characterized by mostly PORT II (11 [10.5%] patients). All C/C genotype patients have PORT II (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Cytomegalovirus persistence worsens the pneumonia course. G/G and G/C TLR4 genotypes are associated with mild pneumonia severity.

Maternal and neonatal screening methods for congenital cytomegalovirus infection

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common cause of congenital infection that may lead to severe long-term sequelae. Because there are no established vaccines, fetal interventions or neonatal treatments, neither maternal nor neonatal screening is recommended. However, recent studies have indicated that early antiviral treatment may improve neurological outcomes in symptomatic infants with congenital infection. Therefore, prenatal detection may be important in newborns at high risk of such infection. Polymerase chain reaction for CMV DNA in the amniotic fluid is considered the gold standard for diagnosis of intrauterine infection, but its use is limited because amniocentesis is an invasive procedure. In a prospective cohort study, we have reported that the presence of CMV DNA in secretions of the maternal uterine cervix were predictive of congenital infection in groups at high risk. However, we also recently demonstrated that maternal serological screening for primary CMV infection using specific immunoglobulin G, the immunoglobulin G avidity index or specific immunoglobulin M can overlook many cases. Previous research has indicated that the combination of early detection by universal neonatal screening of urinary CMV DNA combined with early antiviral therapy can improve outcomes in infants with symptomatic congenital infection. In this article, we review the current state of maternal and neonatal screening for congenital CMV infection.

Potential Biomarkers for Predicting Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection

Early diagnosis and treatment of infants with symptomatic congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection may improve neurological outcomes. For this reason, prenatal detection of newborns at high risk for congenital CMV infection is important. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for CMV DNA in the amniotic fluid is the gold standard for the diagnosis of intrauterine CMV infection; however, amniocentesis is an invasive procedure. Recently, we have found that the presence of CMV DNA in the maternal uterine cervical secretion is predictive of the occurrence of congenital CMV infection in CMV immunoglobulin M (IgM)-positive pregnant women. In contrast, we have suggested that maternal serological screening for primary CMV infection using CMV-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG), the IgG avidity index, or CMV-specific IgM overlooks a number of newborns with congenital CMV infection. We will review current knowledge of the potential biomarkers for predicting congenital CMV infection.

Maternal Immunity and the Natural History of Congenital Human Cytomegalovirus Infection

Congenital human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the most common viral infection of the developing fetus, and a significant cause of neurodevelopmental abnormalities in infants and children. Congenital HCMV infections account for an estimated 25% of all cases of hearing loss in the US. It has long been argued that maternal adaptive immune responses to HCMV can modify both the likelihood of intrauterine transmission of HCMV, and the severity of fetal infection and risk of long term sequelae in infected infants. Over the last two decades, multiple studies have challenged this paradigm, including findings that have demonstrated that the vast majority of infants with congenital HCMV infections in most populations are born to women with established immunity prior to conception. Furthermore, the incidence of clinically apparent congenital HCMV infection in infants born to immune and non-immune pregnant women appears to be similar. These findings from natural history studies have important implications for the design, development, and testing of prophylactic vaccines and biologics for this perinatal infection. This brief overview will provide a discussion of existing data from human natural history studies and animal models of congenital HCMV infections that have described the role of maternal immunity in the natural history of this perinatal infection.

Clinical factor associated with congenital cytomegalovirus infection in pregnant women with non-primary infection

The aim of this nested case-control study was to evaluate clinical factors associated with the occurrence of congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in pregnant women with non-primary CMV infection. In a cohort study of CMV screening for 2193 pregnant women and their newborns, seven newborns with congenital CMV infection were identified among 1287 pregnant women with non-primary CMV infection that was defined as negative IgM and positive IgG with IgG avidity index >45%. In the 1287 women with non-primary CMV infection, clinical findings and complications were compared between pregnancies with and without congenital CMV infection. Clinical factors associated with the occurrence of congenital CMV infection were evaluated. The birth weight of newborns with congenital CMV infection was less than that of newborns without congenital infection (p < 0.05). Univariate logistic regression analyses demonstrated that threatened premature delivery (OR 10.6, 95%CI 2.0-55.0; p < 0.01) and multiple pregnancy (OR 7.1, 95%CI 1.4-37.4; p < 0.05) were associated with congenital infection. Multivariable logistic regression analyses demonstrated that threatened premature delivery (OR 8.4, 95%CI 1.5-48.1; p < 0.05) was a single risk factor for congenital CMV infection in pregnant women with non-primary CMV infection. This study revealed for the first time that threatened premature delivery was associated with the occurrence of congenital CMV infection in pregnant women with non-primary CMV infection, the pathophysiology of which may be closely associated with CMV reactivation during pregnancy.

Advancing Our Understanding of Protective Maternal Immunity as a Guide for Development of Vaccines To Reduce Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infections

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the most common congenitally transmitted pathogen worldwide, impacting an estimated 1 million newborns annually. Congenital HCMV (cCMV) infection is a major global contributor to long-term neurologic deficits, including deafness, microcephaly, and neurodevelopmental delay, as well as to fetal loss and occasional infant mortality. Accordingly, design of a maternal vaccine to prevent cCMV continues to be a top public health priority. Nevertheless, we remain without a licensed vaccine. Maternal immunity provides partial protection, as the risk of vertical HCMV transmission from chronically infected mothers is reduced compared to settings in which the mother is newly infected during pregnancy. Therefore, an understanding of the maternal immune correlates of protection against cCMV is critical to informing design of an efficacious maternal vaccine. Although vaccine development is being assiduously pursued by a large number of pharmaceutical manufacturers, biotechnology organizations, and academic researchers, some pessimism has been expressed regarding the issue of whether a vaccine to protect against cCMV is possible. This pessimism is based on observations that natural immunity is not completely protective against maternal reinfection and congenital transmission. However, we assert that optimism regarding vaccine development is indeed justified, on the basis of accruing evidence of immune correlates of protection-readily achievable by vaccination-that are associated with reduced transmission of HCMV to the fetus in seronegative women. In light of the substantial burden on society conferred by cCMV infection, even a modest reduction in the occurrence of this fetal disease is an important public health goal and justifies aggressive clinical evaluation of vaccines currently in the pipeline.