Congenital Cytomegalovirus in Algiers, Algeria, a Descriptive Case Series Study

Abstract

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is an endemic ubiquitous herpes virus transmitted through saliva, urine, genital secretions, mononuclear blood cells, and transplanted tissue. It is a common infection with mild symptoms or asymptomatic in the immunocompetent individuals but can be severe in the immunocompromised individuals, e.g., HIV-infected individuals, transplanted and cancer patients, and fetuses. CMV is the leading cause of congenital viral infection and the leading non-hereditary cause of sensorineural hearing loss and mental retardation in early childhood. Here, we describe the clinical and laboratory monitoring of four congenital CMV (cCMV) cases referred to Pediatric Belfort Establishment in Algiers in 2019, 2020, and 2021. All the patients had developed signs and symptoms of postnatal CMV infection with intrauterine growth retardation. The clinical manifestations differed; some presented cytopenia with or without hepatosplenomegaly and others a clinical and biological cholestasis syndrome. All our patients had intrauterine growth retardation. A CMV PCR of a urine sample was positive. Treatment for six weeks based on ganciclovir, with a relay by valganciclovir.