Advanced Fetal Care Center (AFCC)
Maternal immune correlates of protection against congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Investigators:
- Sallie R. Permar, MD, PhD, Division of Infectious Diseases
- Sandra K. Burchett, MD, MSc, Division of Infectious Diseases
- Judy A. Estroff, MD, Department of Radiology
- Margaret A. Kenna, MD, MPH, FACS, FAAP, Otolaryngology and Communication Enhancement
In this study, we seek to determine how the mother's immune system can prevent transmission of cytomegalovirus (CMV) to infants during pregnancy. CMV is a virus that can cause a mononucleosis-like illness in adults, but most individuals have no symptoms of infection. CMV exposure is extremely common, as over half of U.S. adults test positive for previous CMV exposure. This virus can be passed to infants during pregnancy and can lead to problems with the infant's hearing, cognitive and motor skills. It is our hope that this study will help scientists better understand how the immune system can prevent mother-to-infant CMV transmission during pregnancy, information that is important to developing a maternal vaccine for CMV.
For more information, email Dr. Permar.
