CDC Funds Baylor Congenital CMV Study With $750,000

Author: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Published: 7 Oct 2010 - Updated: 9 Sep 2026
Publication Type: Announcement

Table of Contents:
Synopsis - Definition - Overview - FAQs - Insights, Updates - Related Content

Synopsis

This announcement details a CDC grant supporting research into congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV), the most common infection present at birth in the United States. The information comes directly from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and provides reliable data about a condition affecting roughly 1 percent of all newborns. Parents, expectant mothers, pediatricians, and families raising children with disabilities will find this particularly valuable because it addresses a largely unknown virus that can cause progressive hearing loss, vision impairment, and developmental challenges. The research aims to analyze three decades of screening data to better understand CMV's connection to behavioral conditions like autism and ADHD, potentially helping thousands of families get earlier diagnoses and intervention services for affected children.*

At a Glance

• 1 - Congenital CMV affects about 1 percent of all newborns in the United States. It remains largely unknown to parents and some providers.
• 2 - Roughly 15 percent of affected infants have silent CMV with no obvious signs at birth. These children may slowly lose hearing or vision over time.
• 3 - The virus spreads to pregnant women through infants' saliva and urine, so handwashing and not sharing food or drinks lowers risk. Avoiding contact with a child's body fluids is a key prevention step.
• 4 - Dr. Gail Demmler Harrison of Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital leads the study, reviewing infants diagnosed through a 10-year newborn screening program. The two-year project examines three decades of collected data.

Topic Definition

Congenital Cytomegalovirus

Congenital cytomegalovirus is a viral infection passed from a mother to her baby before birth, and it stands as the most common infection present at birth in the United States, reaching roughly 1 percent of newborns. Most babies who carry it show no signs at first, yet a portion go on to develop lasting problems such as hearing loss, vision impairment, and developmental or intellectual disability, sometimes appearing gradually during childhood. Because the virus spreads through the saliva and urine of young children, it often reaches pregnant women who care for infants and toddlers, which makes everyday habits like frequent handwashing and not sharing food or drinks meaningful ways to reduce the chance of infection.

Overview

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.

"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

Frequently Asked Questions

NOTE: Researched FAQs by Disabled World (DW)

Is there a treatment for congenital CMV in newborns

Some infants with symptoms at birth may be treated with antiviral medication under specialist care, which can help reduce the risk of worsening hearing loss. Treatment decisions are made by a pediatric infectious disease team based on each child's condition.

How is congenital CMV diagnosed in a baby

Doctors confirm congenital CMV by testing a newborn's saliva, urine, or blood for the virus within the first few weeks of life. Testing after that window cannot reliably show whether the infection was present at birth.

Can a pregnant woman be tested for CMV

Blood tests can show whether a pregnant woman has been exposed to CMV in the past or recently. A healthcare provider can explain what the results mean and whether further monitoring is helpful.

Is there a vaccine to prevent CMV infection

No licensed CMV vaccine is available for general use, though researchers continue to study candidates that show promise. Prevention currently relies on hygiene measures rather than immunization.

How common is hearing loss from congenital CMV

CMV is a leading nonhereditary cause of hearing loss in children, and the loss can be present at birth or develop later. Regular hearing checks help identify changes early so support can begin.

Can a mother pass CMV to more than one child

A woman can pass CMV to babies in separate pregnancies, since past infection does not guarantee full protection. Practicing hygiene during each pregnancy remains important.

Does breastfeeding spread CMV to a baby

CMV can be present in breast milk, though full-term healthy infants who acquire it this way usually have mild or no effects. Parents of premature or medically fragile infants should discuss feeding options with their care team.

What early support helps children affected by congenital CMV

Early intervention services such as hearing support, speech therapy, and developmental programs can improve outcomes for affected children. Regular follow-up with specialists helps track progress and adjust care.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: While cytomegalovirus remains relatively unknown compared to other prenatal infections, this research represents a critical step toward changing that reality. The fact that such a common birth infection flies under the radar of most parents and even some healthcare providers points to a broader need for public health education around preventable causes of childhood disability. As researchers work to untangle the long-term effects of CMV - particularly its potential links to autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities - one thing becomes clear: simple prevention measures like handwashing and avoiding saliva contact with young children could spare countless families from unexpected challenges. The real question is how long it will take for CMV awareness to reach the same level as other prenatal health concerns that affect far fewer children.*

Attribution/Source(s): This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and published on 7 Oct 2010, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.

* Editorial additions by Ian C. Langtree.