Congenital cytomegalovirus is a leading non-genetic cause of sensorineural hearing loss in children. A newborn who does not pass hearing screening should be tested for CMV in urine or saliva within the first three weeks of life, because after that a positive result cannot distinguish congenital from postnatally acquired infection.
An early diagnosis opens the window when antiviral treatment is best supported, and it guides the frequency of audiological follow-up.
- Send a urine or saliva CMV PCR for any newborn referred from hearing screening, ideally within 21 days of birth.
- Confirm a positive saliva result with urine, as breast milk can contaminate saliva.
- Refer confirmed cases to paediatric infectious diseases promptly.
- Arrange regular audiology follow-up, since CMV-related loss can progress.
Why it matters
After three weeks the chance to confirm congenital infection, and to treat early, is largely lost.
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