Chapter 23, Problem 10R

Summary Introduction

To review:

The asymptomatic infection during pregnancy which can result in deafness and mental retardation in the newborn.

Introduction:

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a large herpes virus that causes infections of white blood cells. It stays as a latent infection with slow replication and produces an inclusion of bodies within cells. If the virus is transmitted vertically to the fetus, it results in hearing loss and mental retardation in neonates.