AsianScientist (Jun. 23, 2011) – Researchers at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) have discovered an under-diagnosis of a common virus that causes hearing loss and intellectual disabilities in infants, and are calling for routine screening for all pregnant women and newborns.
The virus, known as cytomegalovirus, or CMV, causes flu-like or no symptoms in healthy people. However, it can be problematic for pregnant women, especially if their initial infection occurs during the pregnancy. Some of the disastrous consequences include hearing loss and intellectual disability in newborn babies. The virus can even be fatal.
“CMV is greatly under-diagnosed,” said Professor William Rawlinson, a virologist with UNSW.
A ten year surveillance project between 1999 and 2009 using data collected through the Australian Pediatric Surveillance Unit showed that, while Australia was estimated to have about 1,800 cases of CMV a year, only 5 to 25 were being diagnosed.
In explaining the need for screening of infants, Rawlinson said:
“Most infected babies will be well. However, about half of the infants who develop disease will not show symptoms at birth and are unlikely to be identified without screening.”
He also added that screening would be cost-effective, and that an antiviral therapy was available for treatment in infants before thirty days of age.
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Source: University of New South Wales.
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