Investigating the impact of cytomegalovirus infection on congenital malformations: a review

Introduction: Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common cause of intrauterine infections and congenital anomalies, which is transmitted through the placenta, blood, saliva, breastfeeding, etc. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of CMV on congenital anomalies. Methods: The present study is a summary review that was designed in ۲۰۲۴. Three databases, PubMed, Google Scholar and ISI, were used to search for related articles. The inclusion criteria included the availability of the full text of the articles, and the exclusion criteria included the articles published in conferences or conventions. At first, ۵۱ articles and after removing duplicate articles and inclusion and exclusion criteria, ۱۱ articles were finally reviewed. Results: Most studies have reported that the expression of two proteins IE۱-۷۲ and IE۲-۸۶ is an important factor in the pathogenesis of CMV infection. IE-۸۶ protein, as the most abundant protein of CMV, is responsible for the activation of viral E genes and the IE-۷۲ protein enhances this activity. On the other hand, these two proteins are products of alternative events that lead to the replication of different mRNAs. In addition, CMV prevents the proliferation of the main cell that forms the placenta at the interface between the mother and the fetus as a regulatory cell of the immune system and also causes the weakening of immune cells, including NK cells and T lymphocytes which can predispose the fetus to primary TORCH infection. It seems that this initial infection can lead to disorders including congenital malformations in the fetus. Conclusion: Considering the role of CMV in causing congenital abnormalities, it is necessary for governments and medical centers to increase people's awareness and change their lifestyles by designing treatment programs and providing various trainings. This work can ultimately lead to the prevention and reduction of the spread of CMV infection.