Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Transmission by Frozen Breast Milk in Preterms

Incidence and Clinical Outcome of Human Cytomegalovirus Transmission Via Thawed Frozen Breast Milk in Preterm Infants <31 Weeks. A Prospective Trial.

Cytomegalovirus infection threatens preterm infant. We investigated, whether thawed breast milk is a mode of transmission

Preterm infants are at risk of symptomatic human cytomegalovirus infections transmitted by breast milk. This study evaluates incidence, timing, and clinical rlevance of acquired human CMV infections in preterm infants younger than 32 weeks of gestational age receiving maternal thawed frozen breast milk until 33 completed weeks of gestational age.

Inclusion Criteria:

• preterm infants of less than 32 weeks of gestation

Exclusion Criteria:

• preterm infant of 32 weeks of gestational age or older, feeding with solely formula milk
• ourborn infants
• retroviral infection
• CMV status of mother unclear
• informed consent missing