Universal Newborn CMV Screening Detects 57% of Cases Missed by Targeted Testing in 48,556-Baby Jerusalem Cohort
Universal newborn CMV screening via efficient pooled PCR identified over half of infections missed by targeted approaches in a large Israeli cohort. Early detection enables monitoring and timely antivirals, though most asymptomatic cases showed normal one-year outcomes. Implementation requires addressing lab capacity and extended follow-up needs.
Pooled testing feasibility demonstrated here supports broader rollout, but questions persist around cost-effectiveness thresholds, long-term neurodevelopmental tracking beyond one year, and integration with existing newborn dried-blood-spot programs. Next studies must include randomized comparisons of clinical outcomes and economic modeling across diverse healthcare systems.
VITALIS: At least three US states will pilot universal pooled cCMV screening by end of 2027, reporting detection rates above 3 per 1,000.
Sources (3)
- [1]Primary Source(https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(25)00412-3/fulltext)
- [2]Supporting Source(https://www.cdc.gov/cmv/congenital-infection.html)
- [3]Supporting Source(https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/150/3/e2022058234/188732)