Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus Infection: Neglected Teratogenic Zoonosis

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), a rodent-borne arenavirus, has been causally associated with postnatal and in utero infection. Although the consequences of acquired LCMV infection are generally benign, primarily a flu-like illness and aseptic meningitis, encephalitis has been reported. Fatalities are however, rare. Congenital LCMV infection has been recognized in Europe and the United States, yet the syndrome is rarely considered and, therefore, remains under-diagnosed. Chorioretinitis and hydrocephalus have been noted in 90% of the affected infants. Blindness, mental retardation and seizures have been the most prominent sequelae in these children. Education of pregnant women regarding the risks rodents and their excreta pose is feasible and should be commenced without delay.