CDC Grant for Congenital Cytomegalovirus Research

Introduction

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has granted researchers at Baylor College of Medicine a two-year, $750,000 grant to study the long-term effects of congenital cytomegalovirus, or CMV, a virus that causes disease in infants who are infected before birth.

Main Item

"CMV is the most common infection present at birth, but few people have heard of it," said Dr. Gail Demmler Harrison, professor of pediatrics-infectious disease at BCM and Texas Children's Hospital. "It affects about 1 percent of all newborns in the United States."

Of those newborns affected, about 15 percent have silent CMV, where it is not immediately known that they have the infection. These newborns have a chance of slowly losing their hearing or vision, said Demmler Harrison, who will be leading the study at BCM. Those who have CMV symptoms at birth account for about 10 percent and are likely to have more severe outcomes with hearing, vision and mental disability.

In this study, Demmler Harrison and colleagues will analyze 30 years of data collected on newborns who were diagnosed with CMV through a newborn screening program conducted over 10 years. Researchers hope to determine the long-term effects of the disease and study whether it is associated with behavioral problems such as autism and ADHD and learning disabilities.

"CMV is an important virus that all women of child-bearing age should be aware of. It is transmitted to women from infants and toddlers through infected body fluids, so pregnant women should be sure they wash their hands frequently, not share food or drinks with infants and avoid getting children's urine and saliva on hands or in the eyes, nose or mouth," said Demmler Harrison.

Further Information on Cytomegalovirus

• Newborns: Hearing Loss and Intellectual Disability Risk
• Cytomegalovirus Education and Awareness Research Grants
• Vaccine Shows Promise in Preventing Cytomegalovirus Infection

Attribution/Source(s):

This peer reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World due to its significant relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and published on 2010/10/07 (Edit Update: 2023/11/27), the content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity. For further details or clarifications, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) can be contacted at cdc.gov. NOTE: Disabled World does not provide any warranties or endorsements related to this article.

Related Publications▶ Share This Page

Page Information, Citing and Disclaimer

Disabled World is a comprehensive online resource that provides information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility issues. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.

Cite This Page (APA): Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2010, October 7 - Last revised: 2023, November 27). CDC Grant for Congenital Cytomegalovirus Research. Disabled World. Retrieved September 20, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/disability/finance/congenital-cytomegalovirus.php

Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/disability/finance/congenital-cytomegalovirus.php">CDC Grant for Congenital Cytomegalovirus Research</a>: CDC grants researchers a two-year, $750,000 grant to study the long-term effects of congenital cytomegalovirus, or CMV, a virus that causes disease in infants who are infected before birth.

Disabled World provides general information only. Materials presented are never meant to substitute for qualified medical care. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.