A serologic strategy for detecting neonates at risk for congenital cytomegalovirus infection

Screening at the first prenatal visit and at birth defines two major risk groups for congenital cytomegalovirus infection: women with seroconversion during pregnancy and women with IgM antibodies in their first prenatal serum sample (0.6% and 2.7%, respectively, of the pregnant population). In these selected babies (3.3% of the study group), cytomegalovirus urine culture should be performed. This type of screening allows the detection of 82% of all congenital cytomegalovirus infections.