Repeated measures study of weekly and daily cytomegalovirus shedding patterns in saliva and urine of healthy cytomegalovirus-seropositive children

Prevention and management of cytomegalovirus infection and disease in kidney transplant: A consensus statement of the Transplantation Society of Taiwan

Kidney transplant recipients have an increased risk of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and disease. A strategy for mitigating the risk of CMV infection in kidney transplant recipients has not yet been established in Taiwan. The Transplantation Society of Taiwan aimed to develop a consensus by expert opinion on the prevention and management of CMV infection. Based on the results of Consensus Conference, we suggested low-dose valganciclovir prophylaxis (450 mg once daily) for kidney transplant recipients. The prophylaxis duration was ≥6 months for high-risk (D+/R-) patients and 3 months for moderate-risk (R+) patients. Even for low-risk (D-/R-) patients, prophylaxis for at least 3 months is recommended because of the high seroprevalence of CMV in Taiwan. CMV prophylaxis was suggested after anti-thymocyte globulin treatment but not after methylprednisolone pulse therapy. Routine surveillance after prophylaxis, secondary prophylaxis after CMV disease treatment, and mTOR inhibitors for primary CMV prophylaxis were not recommended. Letermovir and marabavir are emerging CMV agents used for prophylaxis and refractory CMV disease. CMV immunoglobulins have been used to treat refractory CMV disease in Taiwan. We hope this consensus will help professionals manage patients with CMV in Taiwan to improve the quality of care.

Salivary Glands and Viral Pathogenesis

The oral cavity is an epidemiologically relevant route of viral transmission due to the shedding of viruses in saliva. With advancements in salivary diagnostics, an increasing number of viruses have been detected. However, the anatomic source of virus in saliva is still largely unknown. Some viruses have a well-established tropism for the salivary glands (SGs), and recent studies have emphasized the importance of the glands as potential reservoirs for infectious viruses. Viral infections of the SGs have been linked to acute and chronic SG pathology and may be associated with SG dysfunction, with phenotypes similar to those seen in SjÖgren's disease (SjD), an autoimmune condition that affects the salivary and lacrimal glands. Understanding the breadth of viruses that infect the SG and the conserved or distinct host responses to these infections may provide insights into the pathogenesis of virus-mediated SG diseases. There is a need for further research to fully understand the molecular mechanisms by which viruses enter and replicate in the glands, their physiologic impact on SG function, and whether the SGs can serve as a long-term reservoir for infectious viral particles. The purpose of this review is to highlight a group of viruses that infect the salivary gland: hepatitis C virus, hepatitis D virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, enteric viruses, human T-cell leukemia virus type I, human immunodeficiency virus, human cytomegalovirus, and BK polyomavirus. We focus on the effects of viral infection on salivary gland (SG) inflammation, function, and its association with SjD.

Congenital cytomegalovirus infection: the state of the art and future perspectives

Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection is the most common congenital infection, with an estimated incidence of approximately one in 200 infants in high-income settings. Approximately one in four children may experience life-long consequences, including sensorineural hearing loss and neurodisability. Knowledge regarding prevention, diagnosis, and treatment increased in the recent years, but some challenges remain. In this review, we tried to summarize the current knowledge on both the obstetrical and pediatric areas, while also highlighting controversial aspects and future perspectives. There is a need to enhance awareness among the general population and pregnant women through specific information programs. Further research is needed to better define the classification of individuals at birth and to have a deeper understanding of the long-term outcomes for so defined children. Finally, the availability of valaciclovir medication throughout pregnancy, where appropriate, has prompted the assessment of a universal serological antenatal screening. It is recommended to establish a dedicated unit for better evaluation and management of both mothers and children.

Re-Evaluating Human Cytomegalovirus Vaccine Design: Prediction of T Cell Epitopes

HCMV vaccine development has traditionally focused on viral antigens identified as key targets of neutralizing antibody (NAb) and/or T cell responses in healthy adults with chronic HCMV infection, such as glycoprotein B (gB), the glycoprotein H-anchored pentamer complex (PC), and the unique long 83 (UL83)-encoded phosphoprotein 65 (pp65). However, the protracted absence of a licensed HCMV vaccine that reduces the risk of infection in pregnancy regardless of serostatus warrants a systematic reassessment of assumptions informing vaccine design. To illustrate this imperative, we considered the hypothesis that HCMV proteins infrequently detected as targets of T cell responses may contain important vaccine antigens. Using an extant dataset from a T cell profiling study, we tested whether HCMV proteins recognized by only a small minority of participants encompass any T cell epitopes. Our analyses demonstrate a prominent skewing of T cell responses away from most viral proteins-although they contain robust predicted CD8 T cell epitopes-in favor of a more restricted set of proteins. Our findings raise the possibility that HCMV may benefit from evading the T cell recognition of certain key proteins and that, contrary to current vaccine design approaches, including them as vaccine antigens could effectively take advantage of this vulnerability.

Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Prevention of Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection

Cytomegalovirus infection is the most common congenital infection, affecting about 1% of births worldwide. Several primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention strategies are already available during the prenatal period to help mitigate the immediate and long-term consequences of this infection. In this review, we aim to present and assess the efficacy of these strategies, including educating pregnant women and women of childbearing age on their knowledge of hygiene measures, development of vaccines, screening for cytomegalovirus infection during pregnancy (systematic versus targeted), prenatal diagnosis and prognostic assessments, and preventive and curative treatments in utero.

Human Herpesvirus 8 in Australia: DNAemia and Cumulative Exposure in Blood Donors

Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), the causative agent of Kaposi’s sarcoma, multicentric Castleman’s disease and primary effusion lymphoma, predominantly manifests in immunocompromised individuals. However, infection in immunocompetent individuals does occur. The prevalence of HHV-8 exposure in blood donors from non-endemic countries ranges between 1.2% and 7.3%. Nothing was known about the prevalence in Australian blood donors. Therefore, this study investigated the active and cumulative exposure of HHV-8 in this cohort. Plasma samples (n = 480) were collected from eastern Australian blood donors and were tested for HHV-8 DNA by qPCR, and for HHV-8 antibodies by two different ELISAs. Samples initially positive on either ELISA were retested in duplicate on both, and on a mock-coated ELISA. Any samples positive two or three out of the three times tested on at least one ELISA, and repeat negative on the mock-coated ELISA, were assigned as repeat positive. None of the 480 samples tested contained HHV-8 DNA. Serological testing revealed 28 samples (5.83%; 95% CI: 3.74−7.93%) had antibodies to HHV-8. There was no difference (p > 0.05) in seropositivity between sex or with increasing age. This is the first study to show serological evidence of cumulative HHV-8 exposure and no HHV-8 DNAemia within a select blood donor population in Australia. Our molecular and serological data is consistent with published results for blood donors residing in HHV-8 non-endemic countries, which shows the prevalence to be very low.

Modestly protective cytomegalovirus vaccination of young children effectively prevents congenital infection at the population level

A vaccine to prevent congenital cytomegalovirus infection (cCMV) is a public health priority. cCMV results from maternal primary or non-primary CMV infection (reinfection, or reactivation of chronic infection) during pregnancy. Young children are a major source of transmission to pregnant women because they shed CMV at high viral loads for prolonged periods. CMV vaccines evaluated in clinical trials so far have demonstrated only approximately 50% efficacy against maternal primary infection. None of these have been approved, as higher levels of vaccine efficacy are assumed to be required to substantially reduce cCMV prevalence. Here, we designed a mathematical model to capture the relationship between viral shedding by young children and maternal CMV infections during pregnancy. Using this model, we were able to quantify the impact of CMV post-infection immunity on protecting against reinfection and viral shedding. There was a 36% reduction in the risk of infection to a seropositive person with post-infection immunity (reinfection) versus a seronegative person without this immunity (primary infection), given the same exposure. Viral shedding following reinfection was only 34% the quantity of that following primary infection. Our model also predicted that a vaccine that confers the equivalent of post-infection immunity, when given to young children, would markedly reduce both CMV transmission to pregnant women and the prevalence of cCMV. Thus, we predict that existing vaccine candidates that have been shown to be only modestly protective may in fact be highly effective at preventing cCMV by interrupting child-to-mother transmission.

High prevalence of asymptomatic CMV shedding in healthy children attending the minnesota state fair

BACKGROUND

Young children in the household are a known risk factor for maternal CMV infection and consequently, congenital infection in infants. However, little is known about viral shedding in pre-school aged children.

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the prevalence of CMV DNA shedding and CMV antibodies among healthy children and their mothers.

STUDY DESIGN

A study of children ages 0 through 5 years was undertaken at the 2019 Minnesota State Fair. Children and their mothers were assessed for CMV shedding by procurement of a saliva swab for CMV PCR testing. An optional finger-stick for capillary blood was used to assess CMV antibodies.

RESULTS

A total of 109 children and 85 mothers were enrolled. The prevalence of CMV saliva shedding among children (mean age 3.1 years, SE=0.16) and their mothers was 12/109 (11.0%) and 1/85 (1.2%), respectively. The prevalence of CMV DNA among children peaked at 3 years of age (26%) while the mean viral load was greatest at one year of age (236,693 IU/mL). CMV IgG antibodies among those who agreed to a finger-stick were detected in 16/35 mothers (45.7%) and 0/7 children (0%). Mothers of children aged 5 years or greater had the highest seroprevalence (61.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of CMV salivary shedding in this unselected sample of young children was approximately 11.0%. The overall maternal seroprevalence in our sample was <50%, suggesting these women are at risk for acquisition of a primary CMV infection in subsequent pregnancies.

Early-life cytomegalovirus infection is associated with gut microbiota perturbations and increased risk of atopy

BACKGROUND

The "old friends" hypothesis posits that reduced exposure to previously ubiquitous microorganisms is one factor involved in the increased rates of allergic diseases. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) may be one of the "old friends" hypothesized to help prevent allergic diseases. We sought to elucidate whether early-life CMV infection is associated with childhood atopy via perturbations of the gut microbiota.

METHODS

Participants were recruited from a population-based birth cohort (CHILD study) and followed prospectively until age 5 years in four Canadian cities. A total of 928 participants provided stool microbiome data, urine for CMV testing, skin prick tests, and questionnaire-based detailed environmental exposures. Cytomegalovirus infection was assessed in the first year of life while the main outcome was defined by persistent sensitization to any allergen at ages 1, 3, and 5 years.

RESULTS

Early CMV infection was associated with increased beta and decreased alpha diversity of the gut microbiota. Both changes in diversity measures and early CMV infection were associated with persistent allergic sensitization at age 5 years (aOR = 2.08; 95% CI: 1, 4.33). Mediation analysis demonstrated that perturbation of gut microbial composition explains 30% of the association.

CONCLUSIONS

Early-life CMV infection is associated with an alteration in the intestinal microbiota, which mediates the effect of the infection on childhood atopy. This work indicates that preventing CMV infection would not put children at increased risk of developing atopy. Rather, a CMV vaccine, in addition to preventing CMV-associated morbidity and mortality, might reduce the risk of childhood allergic diseases.

The role of salivary gland macrophages in infection, disease and repair

Macrophages are mononuclear innate immune cells which have become of increasing interest in the fields of disease and regeneration, as their non-classical functions have been elucidated in addition to their classical inflammatory functions. Macrophages can regulate tissue remodeling, by both mounting and reducing inflammatory responses; and exhibit direct communication with other cells to drive tissue turnover and cell replacement. Furthermore, macrophages have recently become an attractive therapeutic target to drive tissue regeneration. The major salivary glands are glandular tissues that are exposed to pathogens through their close connection with the oral cavity. Moreover, there are a number of diseases that preferentially destroy the salivary glands, causing irreversible injury, highlighting the need for a regenerative strategy. However, characterization of macrophages in the mouse and human salivary glands is sparse and has been mostly determined from studies in infection or autoimmune pathologies. In this review, we describe the current literature around salivary gland macrophages, and speculate about the niches they inhabit and how their role in development, regeneration and cancer may inform future therapeutic advances.

Pathogenesis of wild-type-like rhesus cytomegalovirus strains following oral exposure of immune-competent rhesus macaques

Rhesus cytomegalovirus (RhCMV) infection of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) is a valuable nonhuman primate model of human CMV (HCMV) persistence and pathogenesis. In vivo studies predominantly use tissue culture-adapted variants of RhCMV that contain multiple genetic mutations compared to wild-type (WT) RhCMV. In many studies, animals have been inoculated by non-natural routes (e.g., subcutaneous, intravenous) that do not recapitulate disease progression via the normative route of mucosal exposure. Accordingly, the natural history of RhCMV would be more accurately reproduced by infecting macaques with strains of RhCMV that reflect the WT genome using natural routes of mucosal transmission. Herein, we tested two WT-like RhCMV strains, UCD52 and UCD59, and demonstrated that systemic infection and frequent, high-titer viral shedding in bodily fluids occurred following oral inoculation. RhCMV disseminated to a broad range of tissues, including the central nervous system and reproductive organs. Commonly infected tissues included the thymus, spleen, lymph nodes, kidneys, bladder, and salivary glands. Histological examination revealed prominent nodular hyperplasia in spleens and variable levels of lymphoid lymphofollicular hyperplasia in lymph nodes. One of six inoculated animals had limited viral dissemination and shedding, with commensurately weak antibody responses to RhCMV antigens. These data suggest that long-term RhCMV infection parameters might be restricted by local innate factors and/or de novo host immune responses in a minority of primary infections. Together, we have established an oral RhCMV infection model that mimics natural HCMV infection. The virological and immunological parameters characterized in this study will greatly inform HCMV vaccine designs for human immunization. IMPORTANCE Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is globally ubiquitous with high seroprevalence rates in all communities. HCMV infections can occur vertically following mother-to-fetus transmission across the placenta and horizontally following shedding of virus in bodily fluids in HCMV infected hosts and subsequent exposure of susceptible individuals to virus-laden fluids. Intrauterine HCMV has long been recognized as an infectious threat to fetal growth and development. Since vertical HCMV infections occur following horizontal HCMV transmission to the pregnant mother, the nonhuman primate model of HCMV pathogenesis was used to characterize the virological and immunological parameters of infection following primary mucosal exposures to rhesus cytomegalovirus.

Detection of Cytomegalovirus in Urine Dried on Filter Paper

Urine is the best specimen for the diagnosis of congenital cytomegalovirus, but collection and processing of liquid urine are impractical for screening. Urine dried on filter paper was processed by the same convenient, low-cost method used by newborn screening to test blood spots and showed high sensitivity and specificity.

Characterization of Adaptive-like γδ T Cells in Ugandan Infants during Primary Cytomegalovirus Infection

Gamma-delta (γδ) T cells are unconventional T cells that help control cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in adults. γδ T cells develop early in gestation, and a fetal public γδ T cell receptor (TCR) clonotype is detected in congenital CMV infections. However, age-dependent γδ T cell responses to primary CMV infection are not well-understood. Flow cytometry and TCR sequencing was used to comprehensively characterize γδ T cell responses to CMV infection in a cohort of 32 infants followed prospectively from birth. Peripheral blood γδ T cell frequencies increased during infancy, and were higher among CMV-infected infants relative to uninfected. Clustering analyses revealed associations between CMV infection and activation marker expression on adaptive-like Vδ1 and Vδ3, but not innate-like Vγ9Vδ2 γδ T cell subsets. Frequencies of NKG2C⁺CD57⁺ γδ T cells were temporally associated with the quantity of CMV shed in saliva by infants with primary infection. The public γδ TCR clonotype was only detected in CMV-infected infants <120 days old and at lower frequencies than previously described in fetal infections. Our findings support the notion that CMV infection drives age-dependent expansions of specific γδ T cell populations, and provide insight for novel strategies to prevent CMV transmission and disease.

The Effects of Lifestyle Intervention Using the Modified Beliefs, Attitude, Subjective Norms, Enabling Factors Model in Hypertension Management: Quasi-Experimental Study

BACKGROUND

Hypertension is a serious health issue and a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke. Although various health education models have been used to improve lifestyle in patients with hypertension, the findings have been inconsistent.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to assess the effects of a lifestyle intervention program using a modified Beliefs, Attitude, Subjective Norms, Enabling Factors (BASNEF) model among nonadherent participants with hypertension in managing elevated blood pressure (BP) levels.

METHODS

This study reports a quantitative quasi-experimental research work, particularly using a repeated-measures design of the within-subjects approach on the 50 nonadherent patients who received a diagnosis of essential hypertension in Cebu, Philippines. The research participants received 5 sessions of training based on a modified BASNEF model. An adherence instrument was used as an evaluation platform. The first phase gathers participants' relevant profiles and background, and the final phase gathers participants' systolic BP, diastolic BP, heart rate, and adherence scores.

RESULTS

The results indicate that the phase 1 mean systolic readings (146.50, SD 19.59) differ significantly from the phase 4 mean systolic readings (134.92, SD 15.24). They also suggest that the lifestyle intervention based on session III or phase IV behavioral intention in the BASNEF model microgroup sessions positively affects BP readings among the research participants.

CONCLUSIONS

This study has established that the BASNEF model approach can be a good BP management technique.

Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection Burden and Epidemiologic Risk Factors in Countries With Universal Screening: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

IMPORTANCE

Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection is the most common congenital infection and the leading acquired cause of developmental disabilities and sensorineural deafness, yet a reliable assessment of the infection burden is lacking.

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the birth prevalence of cCMV in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and high-income countries (HICs), characterize the rate by screening methods, and delineate associated risk factors of the infection.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews databases were searched from January 1, 1960, to March 1, 2021, and a total of 1322 studies were identified.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies that provided data on the prevalence of cCMV derived from universal screening of infants younger than 3 weeks were included. Targeted screening studies were excluded.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guideline was followed. Extraction was performed independently by 3 reviewers. Quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cohort studies. Random-effects meta-analysis was undertaken. Metaregression was conducted to evaluate the association of sociodemographic characteristics, maternal seroprevalence, population-level HIV prevalence, and screening methods with the prevalence of cCMV.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Birth prevalence of cCMV ascertained through universal screening of infants younger than 3 weeks for CMV from urine, saliva, or blood samples.

RESULTS

Seventy-seven studies comprising 515 646 infants met the inclusion criteria from countries representative of each World Bank income level. The estimated pooled overall prevalence of cCMV was 0.67% (95% CI, 0.54%-0.83%). The pooled birth prevalence of cCMV was 3-fold greater in LMICs (1.42%; 95% CI, 0.97%-2.08%; n = 23 studies) than in HICs (0.48%; 95% CI, 0.40%-0.59%, n = 54 studies). Screening methods with blood samples demonstrated lower rates of cCMV than urine or saliva samples (odds ratio [OR], 0.38; 95% CI, 0.23-0.66). Higher maternal CMV seroprevalence (OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.11-1.28), higher population-level HIV prevalence (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.05-1.40), lower socioeconomic status (OR, 3.03; 95% CI, 2.05-4.47), and younger mean maternal age (OR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.78-0.92, older age was associated with lower rates) were associated with higher rates of cCMV.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this meta-analysis, LMICs appeared to incur the most significant infection burden. Lower rates of cCMV were reported by studies using only blood or serum as a screening method.

Quantifying the Burden of Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection With Long-term Sequelae in Subsequent Pregnancies of Women Seronegative at Their First Pregnancy

BACKGROUND

In women seronegative before pregnancy, congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV)-related sequelae are exclusively seen in those infected in the first trimester of pregnancy. Following a maternal primary infection in the first trimester, up to 30% of infected neonates suffer long-term sequelae. Maternal parity is an established risk factor of cCMV in previously seronegative women. Our objective was to quantify, in a population of women seronegative at their first pregnancy, the risk of cCMV and related sequelae following primary infections in the first trimester in subsequent pregnancies.

METHODS

There were 739 women seronegative at their first pregnancy who had at least 1 of 971 subsequent pregnancies and deliveries managed at our institution. All women had CMV immunoglobin (Ig) G and IgM testing at 11-14 weeks of each pregnancy.

RESULTS

Between 2 consecutive pregnancies, 15.6% (115/739) of women seroconverted. Of these seroconversions, 29% (33/115) occurred in the periconceptional period or in the first trimester. The risks for cCMV and related sequelae (neurologic and/or hearing loss) following a maternal infection in the first trimester were, respectively, 24- and 6-fold higher (risk ratios, 24 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 10.8-62.3] and 6 [95% CI 1.5-24], respectively) than in the general pregnant population. Of all primary maternal infections and fetal infections in the first trimester, 88% (29/33) and 92% (11/12), respectively, occurred when the inter-pregnancy interval was ≤2 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Women seronegative at their first pregnancy with a subsequent pregnancy within 2 years have the highest risk of delivering a child with cCMV-related sequelae. These women should be made aware of the risk and given the opportunity of serology screening in the first trimester.

Sensitivity of Dried Blood Spot Testing for Detection of Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection

IMPORTANCE

The sensitivity of dried blood spots (DBS) to identify newborns with congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection has not been evaluated in screening studies using the current, higher-sensitivity methods for DBS processing.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the sensitivity of DBS polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for newborn screening for cCMV infection using saliva as the reference standard for screening, followed by collection of a urine sample for confirmation of congenital infection.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This population-based cohort study took place at 5 newborn nurseries and 3 neonatal intensive care units in the Minneapolis/Saint Paul area in Minnesota from April 2016 to June 2019. Newborns enrolled with parental consent were screened for cCMV using DBS obtained for routine newborn screening and saliva collected 1 to 2 days after birth. Dried blood spots were tested for CMV DNA by PCR at both the University of Minnesota (UMN) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Saliva swabs were tested by CMV DNA PCR at the UMN laboratory only. Newborns who screened positive by saliva or DBS had a diagnostic urine sample obtained by primary care professionals, tested by PCR within 3 weeks of birth. Analysis began July 2019.

EXPOSURES

Detection of CMV from a saliva swab using a PCR assay.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Number of children with urine-confirmed cCMV and the proportion of them who were CMV positive through DBS screening.

RESULTS

Of 12 554 individuals enrolled through June 2019 (of 25 000 projected enrollment), 56 newborns were confirmed to have cCMV (4.5 per 1000 [95% CI, 3.3-5.7]). Combined DBS results from either UMN or CDC had a sensitivity of 85.7% (48 of 56; 95% CI, 74.3%-92.6%), specificity of 100.0% (95% CI, 100.0%-100.0%), positive predictive value (PPV) of 98.0% (95% CI, 89.3%-99.6%), and negative predictive value (NPV) of 99.9% (95% CI, 99.9%-100.0%). Dried blood spot results from UMN had a sensitivity of 73.2% (95% CI, 60.4%-83.0%), specificity of 100.0% (100.0%-100.0%), PPV of 100.0% (95% CI, 91.4%-100.0%), and NPV of 99.9% (95% CI, 99.8%-99.9%). Dried blood spot results from CDC had a sensitivity of 76.8% (95% CI, 64.2%-85.9%), specificity of 100.0% (95% CI, 100.0%-100.0%), PPV of 97.7% (95% CI, 88.2%-99.6%), and NPV of 99.9% (95% CI, 99.8%-99.9%). Saliva swab results had a sensitivity of 92.9% (52 of 56; 95% CI, 83.0%-97.2%), specificity of 99.9% (95% CI, 99.9%-100.0%), PPV of 86.7% (95% CI, 75.8%-93.1%), and NPV of 100.0% (95% CI, 99.9%-100.0%).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This study demonstrates relatively high analytical sensitivity for DBS compared with previous studies that performed population-based screening. As more sensitive DNA extraction and PCR methods continue to emerge, DBS-based testing should remain under investigation as a potential low-cost, high-throughput option for cCMV screening.

Salivary gland macrophages and tissue-resident CD8+ T cells cooperate for homeostatic organ surveillance

It is well established that tissue macrophages and tissue-resident memory CD8⁺ T cells (T_RM) play important roles for pathogen sensing and rapid protection of barrier tissues. In contrast, the mechanisms by which these two cell types cooperate for homeostatic organ surveillance after clearance of infections is poorly understood. Here, we used intravital imaging to show that T_RM dynamically followed tissue macrophage topology in noninflamed murine submandibular salivary glands (SMGs). Depletion of tissue macrophages interfered with SMG T_RM motility and caused a reduction of interepithelial T cell crossing. In the absence of macrophages, SMG T_RM failed to cluster in response to local inflammatory chemokines. A detailed analysis of the SMG microarchitecture uncovered discontinuous attachment of tissue macrophages to neighboring epithelial cells, with occasional macrophage protrusions bridging adjacent acini and ducts. When dissecting the molecular mechanisms that drive homeostatic SMG T_RM motility, we found that these cells exhibit a wide range of migration modes: In addition to chemokine- and adhesion receptor-driven motility, resting SMG T_RM displayed a remarkable capacity for autonomous motility in the absence of chemoattractants and adhesive ligands. Autonomous SMG T_RM motility was mediated by friction and insertion of protrusions into gaps offered by the surrounding microenvironment. In sum, SMG T_RM display a unique continuum of migration modes, which are supported in vivo by tissue macrophages to allow homeostatic patrolling of the complex SMG architecture.

Human Nasal Turbinate Tissues in Organ Culture as a Model for Human Cytomegalovirus Infection at the Mucosal Entry Site

The initial events of viral infection at the primary mucosal entry site following horizontal person-to-person transmission have remained ill defined. Our limited understanding is further underscored by the absence of animal models in the case of human-restricted viruses, such as human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a leading cause of congenital infection and a major pathogen in immunocompromised individuals. Here, we established a novel ex vivo model of HCMV infection in native human nasal turbinate tissues. Nasal turbinate tissue viability and physiological functionality were preserved for at least 7 days in culture. We found that nasal mucosal tissues were susceptible to HCMV infection, with predominant infection of ciliated respiratory epithelial cells. A limited viral spread was demonstrated, involving mainly stromal and vascular endothelial cells within the tissue. Importantly, functional antiviral and proleukocyte chemotactic signaling pathways were significantly upregulated in the nasal mucosa in response to infection. Conversely, HCMV downregulated the expression of nasal epithelial cell-related genes. We further revealed tissue-specific innate immune response patterns to HCMV, comparing infected human nasal mucosal and placental tissues, representing the viral entry and the maternal-to-fetal transmission sites, respectively. Taken together, our studies provide insights into the earliest stages of HCMV infection. Studies in this model could help evaluate new interventions against the horizontal transmission of HCMV.IMPORTANCE HCMV is a ubiquitous human pathogen causing neurodevelopmental disabilities in congenitally infected children and severe disease in immunocompromised patients. The earliest stages of HCMV infection in the human host have remained elusive in the absence of a model for the viral entry site. Here, we describe the establishment and use of a novel nasal turbinate organ culture to study the initial steps of viral infection and the consequent innate immune responses within the natural complexity and the full cellular repertoire of human nasal mucosal tissues. This model can be applied to examine new antiviral interventions against the horizontal transmission of HCMV and potentially that of other viruses.

Cytomegalovirus infection during pregnancy: state of the science

Cytomegalovirus is the most common congenital infection, affecting 0.5-2% of all live births and the main nongenetic cause of congenital sensorineural hearing loss and neurological damage. Congenital cytomegalovirus can follow maternal primary infection or nonprimary infection. Sensorineurological morbidity is confined to the first trimester with up to 40-50% of infected neonates developing sequelae after first-trimester primary infection. Serological testing before 14 weeks is critical to identify primary infection within 3 months around conception but is not informative in women already immune before pregnancy. In Europe and the United States, primary infection in the first trimester are mainly seen in young parous women with a previous child younger than 3 years. Congenital cytomegalovirus should be evoked on prenatal ultrasound when the fetus is small for gestation and shows echogenic bowel, effusions, or any cerebral anomaly. Although the sensitivity of routine ultrasound in predicting neonatal symptoms is around 25%, serial targeted ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging of known infected fetuses show greater than 95% sensitivity for brain anomalies. Fetal diagnosis is done by amniocentesis from 17 weeks. Prevention consists of both parents avoiding contact with body fluids from infected individuals, especially toddlers, from before conception until 14 weeks. Candidate vaccines failed to provide more than 75% protection for >2 years in preventing cytomegalovirus infection. Medical therapies such as cytomegalovirus hyperimmune globulins aim to reduce the risk of vertical transmission but 2 randomized controlled trials have not found any benefit. Valaciclovir given from the diagnosis of primary infection up to amniocentesis decreased vertical transmission rates from 29.8% to 11.1% in the treatment group in a randomized controlled trial of 90 pregnant women. In a phase II open-label trial, oral valaciclovir (8 g/d) given to pregnant women with a mildly symptomatic fetus was associated with a higher chance of delivering an asymptomatic neonate (82%), compared with an untreated historical cohort (43%). Valganciclovir given to symptomatic neonates is likely to improve hearing and neurological symptoms, the extent of which and the duration of treatment are still debated. In conclusion, congenital cytomegalovirus infection is a public health challenge. In view of recent knowledge on diagnosis and pre- and postnatal management, health care providers should reevaluate screening programs in early pregnancy and at birth.

Non-invasive detection of IgG antibodies from common pathogenic viruses using oral flocked swabs

Salivary antibodies are useful in surveillance and vaccination studies. However, low antibody levels and degradation by endonucleases are problematic. Oral flocked swabs are a potential non-invasive alternative for detecting viral antibodies. Seroprevalence for Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Varicella-Zoster virus (VZV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Measles and Mumps IgG antibodies were determined from 50 matched serum, saliva and swabs samples from healthy volunteers using commercial ELISAs. CMV IgG, VZV IgG, and EBV EBNA-1 IgG, VCA IgG, and Measles IgG swab versus serum sensitivities were 95.8%, 96.0%, 92.1%, 95.5%, 84.5%, respectively, and swabs correlated well with saliva. Sensitivity of Mumps IgG in swabs and saliva was poor at 60.5%, and 68.2%, respectively. Specificities for IgG antibodies were 100% for CMV, EBV and Mumps, but could not be determined for VZV and Measles due to exclusively seropositive volunteers. Except for Mumps IgG, swabs correlate well with serum, are easy to self-collect and are stable at room temperature.

Human Cytomegalovirus Infection in Women With Preexisting Immunity: Sources of Infection and Mechanisms of Infection in the Presence of Antiviral Immunity

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection remains an important cause of neurodevelopmental sequelae in infants infected in utero. Unique to the natural history of perinatal HCMV infections is the occurrence of congenital HCMV infections (cCMV) in women with existing immunity to HCMV, infections that have been designated as nonprimary maternal infection. In maternal populations with a high HCMV seroprevalence, cCMV that follows nonprimary maternal infections accounts for 75%-90% of all cases of cCMV infections as well as a large proportion of infected infants with neurodevelopmental sequelae. Although considerable effort has been directed toward understanding immune correlates that can modify maternal infections and intrauterine transmission, the source of virus leading to nonprimary maternal infections and intrauterine transmission is not well defined. Previous paradigms that included reactivation of latent virus as the source of infection in immune women have been challenged by studies demonstrating acquisition and transmission of antigenically distinct viruses, a finding suggesting that reinfection through exposure to an exogenous virus is responsible for some cases of nonprimary maternal infection. Additional understanding of the source(s) of virus that leads to nonprimary maternal infection will be of considerable value in the development and testing of interventions such as vaccines designed to limit the incidence of cCMV in populations with high HCMV seroprevalence.

Thirty years of CMV seroprevalence-a longitudinal analysis in a German university hospital

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patient groups at risk. We have previously shown that the anti-CMV IgG seroprevalence in an urban region of Germany has changed over the last decades. Overall, a decline from 63.7 to 57.25% had been observed between 1988–1997 and 1998–2008 (p < 0,001). Here, we continuously follow the trends to the most recent decade 2009 to 2018. In a retrospective analysis, we determined the seroprevalence of CMV IgG antibodies in our patient cohort, stratified by gender and selected groups at risk (e.g., patients with HIV infection; women of childbearing age). The overall prevalence of anti-CMV IgG non-significantly declined further from 57.25% in 1998–2008 to 56.48% in 2009–2018 (p = 0.881). Looking at gender differences, overall CMV seroprevalence in males declined to 52.82% (from 55.54% in 1998–2008; p = 0.0254), while it non-significantly increased in females to 59.80%. The high seroprevalence in patients with a known HIV infection further increased from 87.46% in 1998–2008 to 92.93% in the current period (p = 0.9999). In women of childbearing age, no significant changes over the last three decades could be observed. The CMV seroprevalence in oncological patients was determined to be 60.64%. Overall, the former significant decline of CMV seroprevalence between the decades 1988–1997 and 1998–2008 in this urban region of Germany slowed down to a non-significant decrease of 0.77% (1998–2008 vs. 2009–2018). This might be an indicator that CMV seroprevalence has reached a plateau.

Characterization of a universal screening approach for congenital CMV infection based on a highly-sensitive, quantitative, multiplex real-time PCR assay

The majority of congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infections are asymptomatic at birth and therefore not diagnosed. Approximately 10–15% of these infants develop late-onset hearing loss and other developmental disorders. Implementation of a universal screening approach at birth may allow early initiation of symptomatic interventions due to a closer follow-up of infants at risk and offers the opportunity to consider treatment of late-onset disease. Real-time PCR assays for the detection of CMV DNA in buccal swab samples demonstrated feasibility and good clinical sensitivity in comparison to a rapid culture screening assay. Because most cCMV infections remain asymptomatic, a universal screening assay that stratifies CMV infected infants according to low and high risk of late-onset cCMV disease could limit the parental anxiety and reduce follow-up costs. We therefore developed and characterized a screening algorithm based on a highly-sensitive quantitative real-time PCR assay that is compatible with centralized testing of samples from universal screening and allows to determine CMV DNA load of saliva samples either as International Units (IU)/ml saliva or IU/10⁵ cell equivalents. 18 of 34 saliva samples of newborns that tested positively by the screening algorithm were confirmed by detection of CMV DNA in blood and/or urine samples obtained during the first weeks of life. All screening samples that could not be confirmed had viral loads of <2.3x10⁵ IU/ml saliva (median: 6.8x10³) or 1.3x10⁵ IU/10⁵ cell equivalents (median: 4.0x10²). The viral load of screening samples with confirmed cCMV infection ranged from 7.5x10² to 8.2x10⁹ IU/ml saliva (median: 9.3x10⁷) or 1.5x10² to 5.6x10¹⁰ IU/10⁵ cell equivalents (median: 3.5x10⁶). Clinical follow-up of these newborns with confirmed cCMV infection should reveal whether the risk of late-onset cCMV disease correlates with CMV DNA load in early life saliva samples and whether a cut-off can be defined identifying cCMV infected infants with or without risk for late-onset cCMV disease.

Cytomegalovirus Shedding in Seropositive Pregnant Women From a High-Seroprevalence Population: The Brazilian Cytomegalovirus Hearing and Maternal Secondary Infection Study

Background

Most congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections in highly seropositive populations occur in infants born to women with preexisting CMV seroimmunity. Although essential for developing prevention strategies, CMV shedding patterns in pregnant women with nonprimary infections have not been characterized. We investigated correlates of CMV shedding in a cohort of seropositive pregnant women.

Methods

In a prospective study, saliva, urine, vaginal swabs, and blood were collected from 120 CMV-seropositive women in the first, second, and third trimesters and 1 month postpartum. Specimens were tested for CMV DNA by polymerase chain reaction. We analyzed the contribution of the specific maternal characteristics to viral shedding.

Results

CMV shedding was detected at least once in 42 (35%) women. Mothers living with or providing daily care to young children (3-6 years) were twice as likely to shed CMV at least once compared to women with less exposure to young children (58% vs 26%; adjusted relative risk [aRR], 2.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.37-3.56). Living in crowded households (≥2 people per room) was associated with viral shedding (64% vs 31%; aRR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.26-3.13). Sexual activity as indicated by the number of sexual partners per year or condom use was not found to be a correlate of viral shedding.

Conclusions

CMV shedding is relatively frequent in seropositive pregnant women. The association between virus shedding and caring for young children as well as crowded living conditions may provide opportunities for increased exposures that could lead to CMV reinfections in seropositive women.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Pneumonitis: Cell Tropism, Inflammation, and Immunity

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is an opportunistic pathogen causing disease mainly in immunocompromised patients or after congenital infection. HCMV infection of the respiratory tract leads to pneumonitis in the immunocompromised host, which is often associated with a bad clinical course. The related mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV) likewise exhibits a distinct tropism for the lung and thus provides an elegant model to study host-pathogen interaction. Accordingly, fundamental features of cytomegalovirus (CMV) pneumonitis have been discovered in mice that correlate with clinical data obtained from humans. Recent studies have provided insight into MCMV cell tropism and localized inflammation after infection of the respiratory tract. Accordingly, the nodular inflammatory focus (NIF) has been identified as the anatomical correlate of immune control in lungs. Several hematopoietic cells involved in antiviral immunity reside in NIFs and their key effector molecules have been deciphered. Here, we review what has been learned from the mouse model with focus on the microanatomy of infection sites and antiviral immunity in MCMV pneumonitis.

Salivary cytomegalovirus excretion in children in daycare centers and home care facilities in Japan

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in developed countries. The incidence of in utero infection is high in pregnant women who are CMV antibody negative. An important infection route is in contact with children who attend daycare centers (DCCs). However, there are few reports on CMV excretion in children at DCCs in Japan. Saliva samples were collected twice during a 6-month interval from children attending one of two DCCs (DCC1 and DCC2 groups) and from those receiving home care (HC group). The samples were used to quantitatively evaluate CMV using real-time polymerase chain reaction and to determine glycoprotein B (gB) genotypes. The percentage of subjects who demonstrated CMV excretion in either the first or second sample collection was higher in the DCC groups than in the HC group, with incidences in the DCC1, DCC2, and HC groups of 53.4% (n = 47 of 88), 23.9% (n = 16 of 67), and 12.7% (n = 7 of 55), respectively. Compared with the DCC2 group, the DDC1 group had a higher incidence of CMV excretion and included more subjects with a high number of viral copies. In both DCC groups, the incidence of CMV excretion was highest in children younger than 3 years of age. In all three groups, the predominant genotypes were gB1 and gB3. Based on the higher incidence of CMV excretion in the DCC groups compared with the HC group, it is considered that CMV infection is acquired mainly in DCCs in children under the age of 3.

Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection

Background: Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is the leading cause of nongenetic congenital hearing loss in much of the world and a leading cause of neurodevelopmental disabilities. Infected babies can be born to women who are seropositive and seronegative prior to pregnancy, and the incidence is approximately 0.6%-0.7% in the United States. Symptoms vary from mild to severe, and hearing loss can be delayed in onset and progressive. Methods: We reviewed the literature to summarize the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and future directions of cCMV. Results: The best way to diagnose the infection is with polymerase chain reaction of urine or saliva within 3 weeks after birth, followed by a repeat confirmatory test if positive. Moderately to severely symptomatic neonates should be treated for 6 months with valganciclovir, and some practitioners also choose to treat infants who have isolated hearing loss only. Treatment is not recommended for asymptomatic infants. All infected infants should be screened for hearing loss and neurodevelopmental sequelae. Universal and targeted screening may be cost effective. Currently, no vaccine is commercially available, although multiple candidates are under study. Conclusion: Congenitally acquired cytomegalovirus is found in all communities around the world with a disease burden that is greater than many other well-known diseases. Advances are being made in prevention and treatment; however, improved awareness of the disease among clinicians and patients is needed.

Prevalence, Magnitude, and Genotype Distribution of Urinary Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Shedding Among CMV-Seropositive Children and Adolescents in the United States

Background

There are limited nationally representative data on correlates of cytomegalovirus (CMV) shedding among children and adolescents. In addition, the genotype distribution of CMV infections has not been well characterized among general populations in the United States.

Methods

This study characterized urinary CMV shedding among CMV immunoglobulin G-positive 6- to 19-year-olds in the US household population using data from the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Multivariable Poisson regression was used to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Analyses were weighted and multiple imputation was performed to handle missing data (with the exception of CMV genotypes).

Results

Prevalence of urinary CMV shedding was significantly lower among 9- to 11-year-olds (20.6%; aPR = 0.61; 95% CI, 0.44-0.83) and 12- to 19-year-olds (7.0%; aPR = 0.21; 95% CI, 0.14-0.30) compared with 6- to 8-year-olds (34.4%). Among CMV shedders, the youngest age group also had the highest urinary CMV viral loads. The prevalence of urinary CMV shedding among obese individuals was significantly lower compared with lean individuals (aPR = 0.68; 95% CI, 0.47-0.99). Among CMV shedders, glycoprotein B (gB)1 (51%) was the most prevalent gB variant, followed by gB2 (29%), gB3 (21%), and gB4 (13%); glycoprotein H (gH)2 (60%) was more prevalent than gH1 (48%). Multiple (≥2) gB (14%) and multiple gH (7%) infections were detected among CMV shedders.

Conclusions

This study underscores the importance of young children even above the age of 5 years as a potential source of CMV transmission. The detection of multiple CMV strains among CMV shedders may have implications for the transmission of viral diversity as well as vaccine development.

Characterization of Baboon Cytomegalovirus Infection in Healthy Adult Baboons (Papio anubis)

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common chronic herpesvirus found in humans and numerous other mammalian species. In people, chronic viruses like CMV can alter overall health and immunity and pose a serious risk for those with an inadequate immune system. In addition, CMV plays an important role in animal health, and could affect the health of vulnerable populations, like endangered species. Previous studies found a high rate of CMV seropositivity among adult baboons (Papio anubis), and results from our laboratory revealed that baboon CMV (BaCMV) seropositivity was correlated with altered immune cell populations. In the current study, we further characterized BaCMV infection in normal, adult baboons. Analysis of blood samples from baboons (age, 6 to 26 y) revealed a low overall prevalence of detectable of BaCMV DNA, with a higher detection rate in aged baboons (older than 15 y). Furthermore, data suggest that individual baboons maintain similar rates of recurrence and levels of BaCMV shedding in saliva over time. Finally, we evaluated multiple commercially available assays for antihuman CMV IgG and IgM for use with baboon sera. Results of this study will improve our understanding of BaCMV and may be directly relevant to other closely related species.

CMV on surfaces in homes with young children: results of PCR and viral culture testing

Background

Caring for young children is a known risk factor for cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection mainly through exposure to their saliva and urine. In a previous study, 36 CMV-seropositive children 2 mo. to 4 years old were categorized as CMV shedders (n = 23) or non-shedders (n = 13) based on detection of CMV DNA in their saliva and urine. The current study evaluated the presence of CMV on surfaces in homes of the children.

Methods

Study staff made 4 visits to homes of the 36 enrolled children over 100 days. Saliva was collected by swabbing the mouth and urine was collected on filter paper inserted into diapers. In addition, five surface specimens were collected: three in contact with children’s saliva (spoon, child’s cheek, washcloth) and two in contact with children’s urine (diaper changing table, mother’s hand). Samples were tested by PCR and viral culture to quantify the presence of CMV DNA and viable virus.

Results

A total of 654 surface samples from 36 homes were tested; 136 were CMV DNA positive, 122 of which (90%) were in homes of the children shedding CMV (p < 0.001). Saliva–associated samples were more often CMV positive with higher viral loads than urine-associated samples. The higher the CMV viral load of the child in the home, the more home surfaces that were PCR positive (p = 0.01) and viral culture positive (p = 0.05).

Conclusions

The main source for CMV on surfaces in homes was saliva from the child in the home. Higher CMV viral loads shed by children correlated with more viable virus on surfaces which could potentially contribute to viral transmission.

Assignment of cytomegalovirus infection status in infants awaiting solid organ transplant: Viral detection methods as adjuncts to serology

Assignment of CMV infection status in infants awaiting SOT is challenging as passive maternal antibody can lead to false-positive serology. Since 2000, our protocol has recommended sending throat and urine samples for CMV viral detection, culture, or NAAT, for CMV-seropositive infants <18 months awaiting SOT. We reviewed pretransplant CMV serology for 152 infants and, for CMV seropositives, examined relationships between CMV IgG OD values, age, and CMV viral detection to explore time to clearance of maternal CMV IgG and evaluate viral detection in assignment of pretransplant CMV infection status. The proportion of CMV-seropositive infants decreased from 52% in infants 0-6 months of age to 28% in those 12-18 months. Among CMV-seropositive infants, median OD was significantly higher in the 6- to 12- and 12- to 18-month groups compared to the 0- to 6-month group. Distribution of OD by age group suggested that maternal antibody cleared before 12 months. Of 59 eligible CMV-seropositive infants, 49 (83%) had CMV viral detection studies and 18 of 49 (36.7%) had detectable CMV: 9 of 30 (30.0%) infants 0-6 months, 7 of 15 (46.7%) infants 6-12 months, and 2 of 4 (50.0%) infants 12-18 months. CMV viral detection studies are useful to confirm positive CMV infection status in CMV-seropositive infants awaiting SOT. Maternal CMV IgG likely clears before 12 months.

Nonprimary Maternal Cytomegalovirus Infection After Viral Shedding in Infants

BACKGROUND

Most infants with congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection are born to seropositive women as a result of maternal CMV nonprimary infection (reinfection or reactivation). Although infected children are known to transmit CMV to their seronegative mothers, the frequency and magnitude of nonprimary maternal CMV infection after exposure to viral shedding by children in their household have not been characterized.

METHODS

A cohort of Ugandan newborns and their mothers were tested weekly for CMV by quantitative polymerase chain reaction of oral swabs. Infant primary infection and maternal nonprimary infection were defined by the onset of persistent high-level oral CMV shedding. Strain-specific antibody testing was used to assess maternal reinfection. Cox regression models with time-dependent covariates were used to evaluate risk factors for nonprimary maternal infection.

RESULTS

Nonprimary CMV infection occurred in 15 of 30 mothers, all after primary infection of their infants by a median of 6 weeks (range: 1-10) in contrast to none of the mothers of uninfected infants. The median duration of maternal oral shedding lasted 18 weeks (range: 4-42) reaching a median maximum viral load of 4.69 log copies/mL (range: 3.22-5.64). Previous-week infant CMV oral quantities strongly predicted maternal nonprimary infection (hazard ratio: 2.32 per log10 DNA copies/swab increase; 95% confidence interval: 1.63-3.31). Maternal nonprimary infections were not associated with changes in strain-specific antibody responses.

CONCLUSIONS

Nonprimary CMV infection was common in mothers after primary infection in their infants, consistent with infant-to-mother transmission. Because infants frequently acquire CMV from their mothers, for example, through breast milk, this suggests the possibility of "ping-pong" infections. Additional research is needed to characterize the antigenic and genotypic strains transmitted among children and their mothers.

The convergent epidemiology of tuberculosis and human cytomegalovirus infection

Although several factors are known to increase the risk of tuberculosis, the occurrence of tuberculosis disease in an infected individual is difficult to predict. We hypothesize that active human cytomegalovirus infection due to recent infection, reinfection or reactivation plays an epidemiologically relevant role in the aetiology of tuberculosis by precipitating the progression from latent tuberculosis infection to disease. The most compelling support for this hypothesis comes from the striking similarity in age-sex distribution between the two infections, important because the age-sex pattern of tuberculosis disease progression has not been convincingly explained. Cytomegalovirus infection and tuberculosis have other overlapping risk factors, including poor socio-economic status, solid organ transplantation and, possibly, sexual contact and whole blood transfusion. Although each of these overlaps could be explained by shared underlying risk factors, none of the epidemiological observations refute the hypothesis. If this interaction would play an epidemiologically important role, important opportunities would arise for novel approaches to controlling tuberculosis.

The convergent epidemiology of tuberculosis and human cytomegalovirus infection

Although several factors are known to increase the risk of tuberculosis, the occurrence of tuberculosis disease in an infected individual is difficult to predict. We hypothesize that active human cytomegalovirus infection due to recent infection, reinfection or reactivation plays an epidemiologically relevant role in the aetiology of tuberculosis by precipitating the progression from latent tuberculosis infection to disease. The most compelling support for this hypothesis comes from the striking similarity in age-sex distribution between the two infections, important because the age-sex pattern of tuberculosis disease progression has not been convincingly explained. Cytomegalovirus infection and tuberculosis have other overlapping risk factors, including poor socio-economic status, sexual contact, whole blood transfusion and solid organ transplantation. Although each of these overlaps could be explained by shared underlying risk factors, none of the epidemiological observations refute the hypothesis. If this interaction would play an epidemiologically important role, important opportunities would arise for novel approaches to controlling tuberculosis.

Maternal and fetal cytomegalovirus infection: diagnosis, management, and prevention

Congenital cytomegalovirus infection is a major cause of central nervous system and sensory impairments that affect cognition, motor function, hearing, language development, vestibular function, and vision. Although the importance of congenital cytomegalovirus infection is readily evident, the vast majority of maternal and fetal infections are not identified, even in developed countries. Multiple studies of prenatal cytomegalovirus infections have produced a body of knowledge that can inform the clinical approach to suspected or proven maternal and fetal infection. Reliable diagnosis of cytomegalovirus infection during pregnancy and accurate diagnosis of fetal infection are a reality. Approaches to preventing the transmission of cytomegalovirus from mother to fetus and to the treatment of fetal infection are being studied. There is evidence that public health approaches based on hygiene can dramatically reduce the rate of primary maternal cytomegalovirus infections during pregnancy. This review will consider the epidemiology of congenital cytomegalovirus infection, the diagnosis and management of primary infection during pregnancy, and approaches to preventing maternal infection.

Human cytomegalovirus epidemiology and relationship to tuberculosis and cardiovascular disease risk factors in a rural Ugandan cohort

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection has been associated with increased mortality, specifically cardiovascular disease (CVD), in high-income countries (HICs). There is a paucity of data in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where HCMV seropositivity is higher. Serum samples from 2,174 Ugandan individuals were investigated for HCMV antibodies and data linked to demographic information, co-infections and a variety of CVD measurements. HCMV seropositivity was 83% by one year of age, increasing to 95% by five years. Female sex, HIV positivity and active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) were associated with an increase in HCMV IgG levels in adjusted analyses. There was no evidence of any associations with risk factors for CVD after adjusting for age and sex. HCMV infection is ubiquitous in this rural Ugandan cohort from a young age. The association between TB disease and high HCMV IgG levels merits further research. Known CVD risk factors do not appear to be associated with higher HCMV antibody levels in this Ugandan cohort.

The Chemokine Receptor CXCR3 Promotes CD8+ T Cell Accumulation in Uninfected Salivary Glands but Is Not Necessary after Murine Cytomegalovirus Infection

Recent work indicates that salivary glands are able to constitutively recruit CD8⁺ T cells and retain them as tissue-resident memory T cells, independently of local infection, inflammation, or Ag. To understand the mechanisms supporting T cell recruitment to the salivary gland, we compared T cell migration to the salivary gland in mice that were infected or not with murine CMV (MCMV), a herpesvirus that infects the salivary gland and promotes the accumulation of salivary gland tissue-resident memory T cells. We found that acute MCMV infection increased rapid T cell recruitment to the salivary gland but that equal numbers of activated CD8⁺ T cells eventually accumulated in infected and uninfected glands. T cell recruitment to uninfected salivary glands depended on chemokines and the integrin α₄ Several chemokines were expressed in the salivary glands of infected and uninfected mice, and many of these could promote the migration of MCMV-specific T cells in vitro. MCMV infection increased the expression of chemokines that interact with the receptors CXCR3 and CCR5, but neither receptor was needed for T cell recruitment to the salivary gland during MCMV infection. Unexpectedly, however, the chemokine receptor CXCR3 was critical for T cell accumulation in uninfected salivary glands. Together, these data suggest that CXCR3 and the integrin α₄ mediate T cell recruitment to uninfected salivary glands but that redundant mechanisms mediate T cell recruitment after MCMV infection.

Effectiveness of message framing on women's intention to perform cytomegalovirus prevention behaviors: a cross-sectional study

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of message framing on women’s intention to perform cytomegalovirus (CMV) prevention behaviors involving handwashing, not sharing food and eating utensils, not kissing a child on the lips and not placing a pacifier in the mouth after it was in a child’s mouth.

Methods

An online panel of women 18–40 years, who were pregnant or planning a pregnancy were randomized in a 2 × 2 factorial design to receive 1 of 4 CMV fact sheets. The fact sheets were framed as either what could be gained or be lost by following (or not) the recommendations and the likelihood of being affected by CMV (i.e., small chance or one of the most common infections in infants). The questionnaire measured CMV knowledge, participation in CMV risk or prevention behaviors, perceived severity of and susceptibly to CMV, and the perceived control over and the efficacy of recommended prevention behaviors. The dependent variable, intention to modify behavior, was an index score that ranged from 0 to 16 with higher values indicating greater intention. Linear regression was used to evaluate the association between all independent variables and overall behavioral intention.

Results

The sample included 840 women; 15.5% were familiar with CMV. Behavioral intention was high (M = 10.43; SD = 5.13) but did not differ across the message frames (p = 0.23). Overall, behavioral intention was predicted by CMV knowledge, message credibility, perceived severity of CMV, perceived behavioral control and response efficacy. Significant interactions with gain vs. loss frame were observed for perceived behavioral control (p = 0.03) and response efficacy (p = .003).

Conclusions

Framing CMV messages by what women stand to gain or lose interacts with perceived behavioral control and response efficacy to influence behavioral intention. Perceived behavioral control and response efficacy were most predictive of behavioral intention overall regardless of frame. Messaging that focuses on these two variables, particularly for avoiding kissing a child on the lips and sharing food, cups and utensils, may result in greater gains in intention to participate in CMV prevention behaviors.

Virus and host-specific differences in oral human herpesvirus shedding kinetics among Ugandan women and children

Human herpesviruses (HHV) establish lifelong latent infection and are transmitted primarily via shedding at mucosal surfaces. Each HHV causes a unique spectrum of disease depending on the infected individual’s age and immunity. We collected weekly oral swabs from young children and mothers in 32 Ugandan households for a median of one year. We characterized kinetics of oral shedding during primary and chronic infection for each virus. Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and HHV-6 were shed at high rates following primary infection. The rate of oral herpes simplex virus (HSV) shedding was lower overall, and children and mothers with chronic HSV infection had lower shedding rates than children with primary infection. CMV shedding rate and viral load were higher in children with primary infection compared to children with chronic infection, and even lower in mothers with chronic infection. HHV-6 shedding rate and viral load were similar between children with primary or chronic infection, but lower in mothers. EBV shedding rate and quantity decreased less dramatically in mothers versus children, with HIV-positive mothers shedding at a higher rate than HIV-negative mothers. Each HHV has a distinct pattern of oral shedding which depends partially on the age and immune status of the host.

Knowledge of congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) among physical and occupational therapists in the United States

Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infections cause more children to have permanent disabilities than Down Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Spina Bifida, and pediatric HIV/AIDS combined. The risk of infection during pregnancy can be significantly decreased using universal precautions, such as thorough handwashing and cleansing of surfaces and objects that have come into contact with infected body fluids. Children under 3 years of age are commonly asymptomatic excretors of CMV, with the highest viral loads present in saliva. Pediatric therapists have regular close contact with young children, and are thus likely at elevated occupational risk of acquiring CMV. Our objective was to evaluate therapist knowledge of cCMV and its transmission. We recruited American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) members via electronic newsletters and printed flyers from April to September 2015. Participants completed an online, anonymous 24-question survey using Survey Monkey. We compared responses between groups and previously published CMV awareness data using binomial tests of difference of proportions and multiple logistic regression. Our study identified both a low level of therapist awareness and poor demonstrated understanding of cCMV. Self-reported cCMV awareness amongst therapists was greater than awareness in the general population, and equivalent to awareness amongst health care professionals. Whereas 52% of participants self-reported awareness of cCMV, only 18% demonstrated understanding of the behavioral modes of CMV transmission. Fewer therapists reported awareness of cCMV than other, less prevalent conditions. Higher levels of health risk knowledge were associated with greater contact with children. Most participants reported learning about cCMV from the workplace. The knowledge gaps between self-reported awareness of cCMV and demonstrated understanding of modes of transmission described by our results emphasize the need for additional training of therapists. cCMV is preventable, and accurate knowledge of modes of transmission is crucial for the health of practitioners and clients.

Infectious reactivation of cytomegalovirus explaining age- and sex-specific patterns of seroprevalence

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a herpes virus with poorly understood transmission dynamics. Person-to-person transmission is thought to occur primarily through transfer of saliva or urine, but no quantitative estimates are available for the contribution of different infection routes. Using data from a large population-based serological study (n = 5,179), we provide quantitative estimates of key epidemiological parameters, including the transmissibility of primary infection, reactivation, and re-infection. Mixture models are fitted to age- and sex-specific antibody response data from the Netherlands, showing that the data can be described by a model with three distributions of antibody measurements, i.e. uninfected, infected, and infected with increased antibody concentration. Estimates of seroprevalence increase gradually with age, such that at 80 years 73% (95%CrI: 64%-78%) of females and 62% (95%CrI: 55%-68%) of males are infected, while 57% (95%CrI: 47%-67%) of females and 37% (95%CrI: 28%-46%) of males have increased antibody concentration. Merging the statistical analyses with transmission models, we find that models with infectious reactivation (i.e. reactivation that can lead to the virus being transmitted to a novel host) fit the data significantly better than models without infectious reactivation. Estimated reactivation rates increase from low values in children to 2%-4% per year in women older than 50 years. The results advance a hypothesis in which transmission from adults after infectious reactivation is a key driver of transmission. We discuss the implications for control strategies aimed at reducing CMV infection in vulnerable groups.

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a herpes virus causing lifelong infection. In high-income countries, the probability of infection increases gradually with age such that at old age up to 100% of the population is infected. CMV is thought to be transmitted mainly by transfer of saliva or urine, but little quantitative evidence is available about the transmission dynamics. We analyze serological data to estimate age- and sex-specific rates of infection, re-infection, and reactivation. The analyses show that infectious reactivation (i.e. reactivation of the virus in an infected person that is sufficient for it to be transmitted to another person) is essential to explain the data. We propose that infectious reactivation in adults is an important driver of transmission of CMV.

Cytomegalovirus Kinetics Following Primary Infection in Healthy Women

The kinetics of cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA in infected asymptomatic hosts are largely unknown. We measured viral load (VL) in 124 fluid samples (oral, urine, vaginal, blood) collected from 21 women who acquired CMV. A quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay of US17, which correlated with clinical assays, was used. VL decreased following primary infection in all fluids. The geometric mean VL of vaginal fluid was significantly higher than that of other sources: oral (3.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.43-10.57), urine (6.36; 95% CI, 2.48-16.32), and whole blood (11.88; 95% CI, 4.12-34.20). Vaginal CMV shedding may provide a route for sexual and possibly perinatal transmission.

Intrauterine therapy of cytomegalovirus infection with valganciclovir: review of the literature

Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is the leading cause for sensorineural hearing loss and mental retardation in children without genetic diseases worldwide. There is little evidence guiding therapeutic strategies during pregnancy when intrauterine fetal CMV infection is confirmed. We provide a systematic review of the use of ganciclovir (GCV) or VGCV during pregnancy discussing safety of its use for mother and fetus and describe two cases of intrauterine therapy of fetal CMV infection with valganciclovir (VGCV). A PubMed database search was done up to November 16, 2016 without any restrictions of publication date or journal, using the following keywords: "valganciclovir" or "ganciclovir" and "pregnan*". Furthermore, citations were searched and expert references were obtained. Reported cases were considered if therapy was in humans and initiation of treatment of the CMV infection was during pregnancy. In total, seven case reports were retrieved which described GCV or VGCV use during pregnancy for fetal or maternal CMV infection. In the four cases of treatment for maternal CMV infection, no negative effects on the fetus were reported. Three cases of GCV administration to pregnant woman with the intention of fetal treatment after proven fetal infection were found. We additionally present two cases of VGCV treatment in pregnancy from our center of tertiary care. VGCV seems to be a safe treatment for congenital CMV infection for the mother and the fetus. Therapeutic concentrations can be achieved in the fetus by oral intake of the mother and CMV replication can be suppressed. Larger studies are needed to evaluate this therapeutic intervention and the long-term effects.

Transient Oral Human Cytomegalovirus Infections Indicate Inefficient Viral Spread from Very Few Initially Infected Cells

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is acquired by the oral route in children, and primary infection is associated with abundant mucosal replication, as well as the establishment of latency in myeloid cells that results in lifelong infection. The efficiency of primary CMV infection in humans following oral exposure, however, is unknown. We consistently detected self-limited, low-level oral CMV shedding events, which we termed transient CMV infections, in a prospective birth cohort of 30 highly exposed CMV-uninfected infants. We estimated the likelihood of transient oral CMV infections by comparing their observed frequency to that of established primary infections, characterized by persistent high-level shedding, viremia, and seroconversion. We developed mathematical models of viral dynamics upon initial oral CMV infection and validated them using clinical shedding data. Transient infections comprised 76 to 88% of oral CMV shedding events. For this high percentage of transient infections to occur, we identified two mathematical prerequisites: a very small number of initially infected oral cells (1 to 4) and low viral infectivity (<1.5 new cells infected/cell). These observations indicate that oral CMV infection in infants typically begins with a single virus that spreads inefficiently to neighboring cells. Thus, although the incidence of CMV infection is high during infancy, our data provide a mechanistic framework to explain why multiple CMV exposures are typically required before infection is successfully established. These findings imply that a sufficiently primed immune response could prevent CMV from establishing latent infection in humans and support the achievability of a prophylactic CMV vaccine.IMPORTANCE CMV infects the majority of the world's population and is a major cause of birth defects. Developing a vaccine to prevent CMV infection would be extremely valuable but would be facilitated by a better understanding of how natural human CMV infection is acquired. We studied CMV acquisition in infants and found that infections are usually brief and self-limited and are successfully established relatively rarely. Thus, although most people eventually acquire CMV infection, it usually requires numerous exposures. Our analyses indicate that this is because the virus is surprisingly inefficient, barely replicating well enough to spread to neighboring cells in the mouth. Greater knowledge of why CMV infection usually fails may provide insight into how to prevent it from succeeding.

Salivary Diagnostics in Pediatrics: Applicability, Translatability, and Limitations

In the last decade, technological advances, combined with an improved appreciation of the ability of saliva to inform caregivers about both oral health and systemic disease, have led to the emergence of salivary diagnostic platforms. However, the majority of these assays have targeted diseases that more commonly affect the adult population, largely neglecting infants and children who arguably could benefit the most from non-invasive assessment tools for health monitoring. Gaining access into development, infection, and disease through comprehensive "omic" analyses of saliva could significantly improve care and enhance health access. In this review, we will highlight novel applications of salivary diagnostics in pediatrics across the "omic" spectrum, including at the genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, microbiomic, and metabolomic level. The challenges to implementing salivary platforms into care, including the effects of age, diet, and developmental stage on salivary components, will be reviewed. Ultimately, large-scale, multicenter trials must be performed to establish normative biomarker values across the age spectrum to accurately discriminate between health and disease. Only then can salivary diagnostics truly translate into pediatric care.