Neonatal Cytomegalovirus Infection: Advocacy, Legislation, and Changing Practice.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common intrauterine infection. While only 10% to 15% of infants display symptoms at birth, 25% of infants with congenital CMV (cCMV) will develop sequelae such as sensorineural hearing loss and neurodevelopmental impairment by the age of 2 years. Although antiviral therapy and early intervention services can improve outcomes for infected infants, cCMV has a substantial economic impact. Studies show that both targeted and universal screenings are cost-effective, but targeted screening misses many infected infants at risk for sequelae. The state-based approach to cCMV screening in the United States varies from universal, targeted, education only to no requirements.