An effective and feasible approach to prevention of primary cytomegalovirus infection in pregnancy

2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Grazia Revello ◽  
Valentina Frisina ◽  
Giovanna Oggè ◽  
Alessia Arossa ◽  
Milena Furione

In the absence of a cytomegalovirus (CMV) vaccine, other strategies for prevention of primary infection in pregnancy should be considered. Behavioural interventions have been reported to significantly decrease seroconversion rate among seronegative pregnant women. We report here on a recently completed controlled study in which seronegative women at high risk of infection because of close contacts with children <36 months, were identified and informed about risky and protective behaviours. Informed women seroconverted at a significantly lower rate than non-informed women.

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S1002-S1002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keren Shahar-Nissan ◽  
Joseph Pardo ◽  
Orit Peled ◽  
Irit Krause ◽  
Efraim Bilavsky ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common cause of congenital infection in humans. The highest risk of fetal injury follows a maternal primary infection early in pregnancy. Despite the potential for severe fetal injury, to date there are no proven means to prevent viral transmission. Valacyclovir is an antiviral drug proven effective in decreasing the risk for CMV infection among transplant recipients. Valacyclovir is safe for use in pregnancy, and concentrates in the amniotic fluid without accumulating. A dose of 8 g/day creates therapeutic drug levels in the amniotic fluid and fetal blood. Methods This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study comprising pregnant women with serologic evidence of primary CMV infection during the periconceptional period and first trimester. After informed consent, patients were randomly assigned to a treatment group (8 g/day of Valacyclovir) or control group (placebo). Treatment was initiated at the time of serological detection, and continued until amniocentesis. The primary endpoint was the rate of vertical transmission of CMV—determined by amniotic fluid CMV PCR. Secondary endpoints included evidence of symptomatic congenital CMV infection—in utero or postnatally. Results One hundred women were recruited, 90 were included in the data analysis; 45 patients received Valacyclovir and 45 placebo. There were 2 twin pregnancies, and therefore 92 amniocentesis Amongst the Valacyclovir group, 5 (11.1%) amniocentesis were positive for CMV, compared with 14 (29.8%) in the placebo group (P GLMM = 0.03), corresponding with an odds ratio of 0.29 (95% CI: 0.09–0.90) for vertical CMV transmission. Amongst patients infected during the first trimester, a positive amniocentesis for CMV was significantly (P = 0.02) less likely in the Valacyclovir arm (2/19) compared with placebo (11/23). No significant differences (P = 0.91) in CMV-positive amniocentesis were observed between study arms amongst patients infected periconceptionally. Conclusion Valacyclovir at a dose of 8 g/day is effective in reducing the rate of fetal CMV infection following early maternal primary infection during pregnancy. The drug reduces the rate of fetal infection by 71%. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.


BMJ ◽  
1986 ◽  
Vol 292 (6522) ◽  
pp. 718-720 ◽  
Author(s):  
H Stern ◽  
G Hannington ◽  
J Booth ◽  
D Moncrieff

1987 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 46 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Stagno ◽  
R. F. Pass ◽  
G. Cloud ◽  
W. J. Britt ◽  
R. E. Henderson ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 1749
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Gerna ◽  
Chiara Fornara ◽  
Milena Furione ◽  
Daniele Lilleri

Congenital cytomegalovirus infection (cCMV) may affect about 1% of all newborns all over the world as a result of either a primary or recurrent human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection. While about 90% of infants affected by cCMV are asymptomatic at birth, the remaining 10% are symptomatic often with neurodevelopmental impairment and sensorineural hearing loss. In view of identifying the best approach to vaccine prevention of cCMV, this review will examine the most important steps made in the study of the immune response to, and diagnosis of, HCMV infection. The maternal immune response and immune correlates of protection are being partially identified with a partial contribution given by our laboratory. The diagnosis of primary infection is often difficult to achieve in the first three months of pregnancy, which is the time primarily involved in virus transmission to the fetus in association with the most severe symptoms and sequelae. Prevention of cCMV is anticipated by prevention of primary infection in early pregnancy by means of different measures, such as (i) behavioral-educational measures, (ii) immunoglobulin administration, (iii) antiviral treatment with valaciclovir. However, the most promising approach to cCMV prevention appears to be the development of a non-living vaccine, including at least three viral antigens: gB, pentamer complex gHgLpUL128L, and pp65, which have been shown to be able to stimulate both the humoral and the cellular arms of the maternal immune response. Primary HCMV infection may be managed in pregnancy by counseling of the couples involved by a team of specialists that includes virologists, obstetricians, infectivologists and neonatologists.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document