Dr. Eleni Kiose, MD, PhD, is a Paediatrics Trainee at the General Hospital of Komotini “Sismanogleio,” Greece, with a strong academic and research background in molecular biology, pharmacogenomics, and transplantation medicine. She holds a PhD focused on personalized immunosuppressive therapy in kidney transplant recipients and has extensive research experience in pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and molecular techniques. Her clinical interests include neonatology, paediatric infectious diseases, and neonatal care, with active involvement in audits and national conference presentations. Dr. Kiose has published research on the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on pregnancy outcomes and remains engaged in continuing professional development, combining clinical excellence with academic contribution.      

THE INCIDENCE OF CMV INFECTION IN NEONATES BEFORE AND AFTER THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC PURPOSE:To study the incidence of CMV infection in neonates during the three years before (2017–2019) and the three years after (2021–2023) the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS & METHODS:Measurement of IgG and IgM antibodies against CMV in pregnant women, and collection of neonatal urine samples from positive mothers for PCR testing of the virus. Perinatal history, neonatal anthropometric characteristics, mode of delivery, and maternal COVID-19 infection were included in the study. RESULTS:2017–2019 CMV (+) mothers = 8 versus 2021–2023 CMV (+) mothers = 14.93% (13/14) of the pregnant women were COVID-19 (+) up to one year prior to pregnancy.2021–2023 CMV (+) neonates = 4 (28.5%) versus 2017–2019 CMV (+) neonates = 2 (25%).CMV (+) after vaginal delivery = 50% (4/8), CMV (+) after cesarean section = 14.3% (2/14). CONCLUSIONS:COVID-19 infection is associated with a reduction in immunity, which affects the reactivation of chronic infections. CMV belongs to the herpesvirus family and is one of the most common viruses causing intrauterine infection, sensorineural hearing loss, and intellectual disability in neonates. Patient groups with weakened immune systems, such as neonates, are susceptible to congenital CMV infection caused by vertical transmission from mother to newborn. We conducted a retrospective study to examine the incidence of CMV infection in both pregnant women and neonates after the COVID-19 pandemic. These data were compared with corresponding pre-pandemic data. The results of our study are consistent with international literature, where an increase in CMV infection incidence in pregnant women and neonates has been observed. Although there is still considerable debate, vaginal delivery appears to be a risk factor for neonatal CMV infection, and maternal infection may need to be considered as an indication for cesarean section.