What is the most common cause of intrauterine infection in newborns?

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is recognized as the most prevalent cause of intrauterine infections in newborns. This virus is part of the herpes virus family and is often asymptomatic in the mother, which can lead to underdiagnosis during pregnancy. When a pregnant person becomes infected with CMV, especially during the first trimester, there is a significant risk of transmitting the virus to the fetus, which can result in a variety of complications and long-term health issues in the newborn, including hearing loss, developmental delays, and other neurological problems.

The prevalence of CMV as an intrauterine infection is higher compared to other infectious agents. While other options such as Toxoplasmosis, Syphilis, and Rubella are known to cause congenital infections, they occur with less frequency than CMV. For instance, Toxoplasmosis is linked to certain environmental exposures and is less common as a cause of congenital infection. Syphilis infections have seen a resurgence, but they still do not reach the incidence level of CMV. Rubella is now less common due to widespread vaccination, which has significantly reduced its incidence as a teratogenic infection.

In summary, CMV stands out due to its higher incidence rate in terms of intra