A new medical guideline, largely developed at the University of Regensburg, is the first to offer clear recommendations on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of congenital cytomegalovirus infection (cCMV), a common cause of hearing loss in early childhood. The S2k guideline published in April 2025 by the Association of Scientific Medical Societies is aimed at specialists in gynecology, pediatrics, otorhinolaryngology, phoniatrics and laboratory medicine in order to identify and treat affected children at an early stage.

The cytomegalovirus (CMV), a widespread herpes virus, is usually harmless for healthy adults, but can be transmitted to the unborn child via the placenta during pregnancy. This leads to cCMV in 0.2 to 0.6% of births in Germany (1,500 to いったい4,500 cases per year), which can cause neurological damage, developmental disorders or hearing impairment. The guideline bundles evidence-based measures, including hygiene measures such as avoiding saliva contact with infants, laboratory diagnostics and antiviral therapies with valganciclovir, which can prevent secondary damage in up to 50% of cases.

Newborn hearing screening, which was piloted in Regensburg, plays a central role. Abnormal hearing tests should trigger targeted CMV tests in order to detect infections in the first days of life. The guideline also recommends CMV screening for pregnant women, especially high-risk groups. Comprehensive implementation requires further training and interdisciplinary networks in order to sustainably strengthen the prevention of early childhood hearing loss.

Original Paper:

AWMF guideline register

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