A low incidence (1 in 4,000) of neonatal CID was found in 47,320 consecutive live births at an obstetric hospital over a decade. The mortality was high, 5 of 16 neonates died in hospital and, of those discharged, 7 were left with severe cerebral and/or ophthalmic handicaps. Minor, remediable conditions were also found in 7 infants. Previous studies have indicated that CMV infection occurs in 1-2% of all pregnancies and 10% of the infected neonates have signs of CID at birth. A highly significant increase in the incidence of antenatal complications was found in mothers delivered of cytomegalovirus (CMV)-infected infants which may have compounded the effects of the viral disease on the fetus. A CMV-specific defect in the maternal and neonatal immune systems is discussed.

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The results are reported of a 4-year prospective study of the incidence of primary cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in the nursing staff of a specialist obstetric hospital. The absence of seroconversion found in personnel attending patients with confirmed CMV-infection justifies reassuring staff members in “high-risk” areas of the adequacy of the methods used to combat cross-infection . On the other hand, a low rate of seroconversion (1.2% per annum) in the staff who nurse normal mothers and “rooming-in” babies emphasizes the need for die rigorous observance of hygienic precautions by all personnel in all areas. The results of this Australian investigation are discussed in relation to the northern hemisphere experience of CMV-seroconversion in pediatric nurses.

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