Ganciclovir: Antiviral Therapy for Congenital Cytomegalovirus

CYTOMEGALOVIRUS (CMV), a member of the herpesvirus family, is the most common virus passed from the mother to the fetus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 150 children is born with congenital CMV infection.¹ Neonates may also acquire CMV during delivery, via blood transfusions, or through breast milk. Both prenatally and perinatally infected infants are at risk for developing short-term effects and long-term sequelae and are candidates for antiviral therapy.² Each year, approximately 8,000 children suffer permanent disabilities secondary to CMV infection.¹