Infectious Disorders - Drug Targets (Formerly Current Drug Targets - Infectious Disorders) - Volume 11, Issue 5, 2011

This special issue of Infectious Disorders-Drug Targets focuses on human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection from a pediatric standpoint, presenting state-of-the-art reviews by experts in the field, with whom I have been privileged to collaborate. This issue will cover congenital infections in general, congenital CMV infection specifically, infection in the compromised host, CMV genetics and pathogenesis, diagnostic approache Read More

Congenital infections are those that are acquired transplacentally by the fetus from an infected mother. They constitute a major public health burden, affecting millions of infants and children worldwide. Despite significant advances in medical diagnostics, the majority of newborns with congenital infections are not recognized, since many of these infections may not cause clinically - apparent disease in the newborn peri Read More

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) remains the most common cause of congenitally-acquired infection in the United States and is a leading infectious cause of sensorineural hearing loss, cognitive delay, and permanent neurologic sequelae. Although most cases of congenital CMV infection are asymptomatic, significant morbidity and mortality exist for symptomatic infants and may also occur in asymptomatic ones. Diagnosis re Read More

Disease caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection can clinically manifest in a variety of ways in the immunodeficient host and lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Infections can be primary, occur as a result of reactivation of latent virus, or infection with a new strain of CMV. Cell-mediated immunity is the main defense against CMV disease. This component of the immune system is frequently affected in children w Read More

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is responsible for approximately 40,000 congenital infections in the United States each year. Congenital CMV disease frequently produces serious neurodevelopmental disability, as well as vision impairment and sensorineural hearing loss. Development of a CMV vaccine is therefore considered to be a major public health priority. The mechanisms by which CMV injures the fetus are complex a Read More

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is recognized as the most common congenital viral infection in humans and an important cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised hosts. This recognition of the clinical importance of invasive CMV disease in the setting of immunodeficiency and in children with congenital CMV infection has led to the development of new diagnostic procedures for the rapid identification of CMV. Diag Read More

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is an opportunistic pathogen associated with significant morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised hosts. Antiviral agents specifically targeting CMV were initially developed during the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic to treat end-organ disease in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). There are currently four antiviral drugs licensed for the treatment of CMV in Read More

Infections due to resistant human cytomegalovirus (CMV) are an emerging problem, particularly in immunocompromised hosts. When managing such patients, clinicians should be aware of the possibility of developing CMV antiviral resistance, especially while on prolonged therapy or if severe immunosuppression is present. CMV resistance to current antiviral agents is mediated by alterations in either the UL97 kinase or DNA po Read More

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a leading cause of congenital infection worldwide and therefore is recognized as an important target for vaccine development. Data from natural infections and work done with animal models, including models of congenital infection, provide the rationale for their development. CMV vaccine evaluations were begun in the mid-1970's with an attenuated live virus vaccine, Towne, but this vaccine Read More