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01-03-2022 | COVID-19 | Short Communication

Lower prevalence of congenital cytomegalovirus infection in Portugal: possible impact of COVID-19 lockdown?

Authors: Catarina Fernandez, Maria-Jesus Chasqueira, Augusta Marques, Lúcia Rodrigues, Mónica Marçal, Madalena Tuna, Mónica Cró Braz, Ana Serrão Neto, Cândida Mendes, David Lito, Paula Rocha, Gabriela Vasconcellos, Maria-Favila Menezes, Maria José Sousa, Carla Nunes, Paulo Paixão

Published in: European Journal of Pediatrics | Issue 3/2022

Abstract

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most frequent cause of congenital infection all over the world. Its prevalence ranges from 0.2 to 2.2%. Transmission from children to their pregnant mothers is a well-known risk factor, particularly if they attend a childcare centre. This study aims to compare the prevalence of CMV congenital infection (CMV_CI) in Portugal (Lisbon) between two studies, performed respectively in 2019 and 2020. In the 2019 study, performed in two hospitals, we found a 0.67% CMV_CI prevalence, using a pool strategy previously tested with saliva samples. In the 2020 study, using the same pool approach in four hospitals (the previous and two additional), and based on 1277 samples, the prevalence was 0.078%.

Conclusion: The close temporal coincidence with COVID-19 lockdown suggests that these measures may have had a significant impact on this reduction, although other explanations cannot be ruled-out.

What is Known: • Cytomegalovirus is the leading cause of congenital infection. • Behavioural measures decrease cytomegalovirus seroconversion in pregnant women.
What is New: • From 2019 to 2020 there was a significant reduction in the prevalence of congenital CMV infection.

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Title: Lower prevalence of congenital cytomegalovirus infection in Portugal: possible impact of COVID-19 lockdown?
Authors: Catarina Fernandez
Maria-Jesus Chasqueira
Augusta Marques
Lúcia Rodrigues
Mónica Marçal
Madalena Tuna
Mónica Cró Braz
Ana Serrão Neto
Cândida Mendes
David Lito
Paula Rocha
Gabriela Vasconcellos
Maria-Favila Menezes
Maria José Sousa
Carla Nunes
Paulo Paixão
Publication date: 01-03-2022
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keyword: COVID-19
Published in: European Journal of Pediatrics / Issue 3/2022
Print ISSN: 0340-6199
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1076
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-021-04271-0

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Lower prevalence of congenital cytomegalovirus infection in Portugal: possible impact of COVID-19 lockdown?

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