Clinical and epidemiological profile and burden of CMV infection among infants in Central India.

BACKGROUND

Infection with the human cytomegalovirus is a serious public health concern and this issue has not received enough attention in India. Cytomegalovirus infection is a significant cause of morbidity in infants, particularly in developing countries. Understanding the clinical and epidemiological burden of CMV infection is essential for early diagnosis and effective management. Hence this study was conducted to find out magnitude of human cytomegalovirus infection among infants.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A hospital-based observational study was conducted from October 2023 to November 2024. The 147 serum samples from suspected human cytomegalovirus infection were analysed using molecular diagnostics. Real-time PCR was performed after DNA extraction. Human cytomegalovirus DNA-specific probes were utilized to detect human cytomegalovirus specific DNA along with internal control. The relevant clinical, demographic, and epidemiological data were documented.

RESULTS

Of the total samples, human cytomegalovirus infection was detected in 17 (11.5%) samples. Among cytomegalovirus virus positive infants, most positivity was noticed in 0-3 month age group. The most common clinical presentation was jaundice.

CONCLUSION

The frequent clinical suspicion of CMV infection among infants indicating the significant role in human cytomegalovirus detection at an early stage which helps to avoid sequelae of the disease.