Department of Pediatrics
Graduate School of Medicine,
Nagoya University
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NUPID The Infectious Diseases Group
in the Department of
Pediatrics at Nagoya University

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About research

For Patients and the General
Public

Illustration of a parent and child holding a baby Illustration of a pregnant woman

About

Introduction

Some of you visiting this website may have recently been told
that your child may have congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection
through private screening,
or may already have received a diagnosis and be feeling worried or
uncertain.

For more than 20 years, we have cared for many children
with congenital CMV infection.
Many parents first come to us feeling anxious, confused,
and sometimes blaming themselves.
Some mothers arrive in tears.
Over time, however, many families begin to visit our clinic with
smiles.
Even when a child has certain symptoms,
children who grow up surrounded by love and care
continue to develop in their own way,
and often show us wonderful smiles as they grow.

We continue to watch over each child’s
growth
while carrying out research to develop better treatments
and future methods of prevention.

Illustration of a woman holding a baby asking a doctor a question

Q&A

Cytomegalovirus (CMV):
Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q

    What is cytomegalovirus (CMV)?

    A

    Cytomegalovirus (CMV) may be a name many people are hearing for the first time. However, it is actually a very common virus. About 70% of Japanese adults have been infected with CMV at some point in their lives.

  • Q

    If many people have CMV, why is it not widely known?

    A

    Most people who are infected with CMV do not notice any symptoms. Because of this, many people are unaware that they have been infected.

  • Q

    What are the characteristics of this virus?

    A

    Once a person is infected, the virus remains quietly in the body. This is called latent infection. Normally it does not cause problems. However, if the immune system becomes weakened—such as during cancer treatment or after organ transplantation—the virus may become active again. This is called reactivation, and symptoms may appear.

  • Q

    What happens if infection occurs during pregnancy?

    A

    If a mother becomes infected with CMV during pregnancy, or if the virus becomes active again, it may affect the unborn baby. This condition is called congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection.

  • Q

    How is CMV infection diagnosed in newborn babies?

    A

    CMV infection can be diagnosed by testing a newborn baby's urine using a PCR test to check for the presence of the virus. In the past, there were very limited ways to diagnose this condition, but today this test makes diagnosis possible.

  • Q

    Is there treatment if a baby is
    infected?

    A

    Yes. Since 2023, treatment has been available in Japan. For babies who show symptoms, taking antiviral medication by mouth for six months may help reduce the progression of hearing loss.

  • Q

    Should a baby be tested even if there seem to be no symptoms at birth?

    A

    Yes. Many babies with congenital CMV infection do not show symptoms at birth. However, if a screening test result is positive, it is important to undergo further medical examinations. In some cases, these examinations may identify symptoms and lead to appropriate treatment.