STEP-CMV: Serological Testing and Education to Prevent CMV Infection in Early Pregnancy, Norman Beischer Medical Research Foundation

Chief Investigator

Led by Professor Lisa Hui - University of Melbourne. Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is the most common infectious cause of disability in Australian newborns, yet it remains under-recognised by both clinicians and the public. CMV is a common virus that is passed from person-to-person, usually causing no illness in healthy individuals. However, if a woman acquires CMV during pregnancy, the virus can cross the placenta and infect the developing baby, leading to severe complications such as brain injury, stillbirth, or neonatal death.1 Children born with cCMV may experience lifelong disability, including hearing loss, developmental delay, epilepsy, and cerebral palsy.2 This study seeks to address to issues: Lack of Australian data on maternal CMV infection rates in early pregnancy. No robust Australian data exist on CMV infection rates during the first trimester—the most critical period for fetal harm. These data are essential for health economics modelling and policy recommendations. • System barriers to CMV counselling, testing and referral in primary care. Despite excellent GP engagement with CMV eLearning modules, our research revealed structural barriers to GPs implementing CMV education in antenatal care.

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