[Human cytomegalovirus infection in the pre- and postnatal period with special regards to routes of infection].

The clinical course of HCMV infection in newborns and infants was discussed. Different routes and sources of infection were analyzed, especially acquired infection from the mother excreting the virus in breast milk. The usefulness of modern laboratory techniques (PCR to detect HCMV DNA and detection of antigen in leucocytes) and the importance of simultaneous tests performed in children and their mothers in stating the diagnosis was also evaluated.