[Prevention and treatment of cytomegalovirus infection in pregnant women and newborns].

This review summarises the present knowledge of cytomegalovirus infection (CMV), which is the most common congenital infection. The awareness and knowledge of the disease is, however, limited among healthcare professionals. Neither screening of pregnant women nor testing of new-borns is routine. A lack of early identification can lead to an unnecessary increase in morbidity and mortality, as treat-ment must be started within the first months of life. The best weapon against congenital CMV is primary prevention in the form of information and thorough hand hygiene.