What is the most common intrauterine infection?

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is recognized as the most common intrauterine infection and is a significant concern in neonatal intensive care. CMV is part of the herpesvirus family and often remains asymptomatic in the mother, but can lead to serious outcomes in the fetus, including neurodevelopmental delays, sensorineural hearing loss, and other congenital anomalies.

This virus can be transmitted to the fetus during pregnancy, particularly if the mother is a new infection or has a reactivation of the virus. Intrauterine transmission of CMV can lead to various clinical manifestations in neonates, emphasizing the importance of screening and awareness in neonatology.

Although the other infections listed can also cause congenital issues, none are as prevalent or have the same breadth of impact on neurodevelopment as CMV. This distinguishes CMV as a leading concern in intrauterine infections, reinforcing the importance of understanding its implications in neonatal care.