Infezione congenita da Citomegalovirus e ipoacusia: qual è l’attuale livello di conoscenza dei genitori?

Introduction: The aim of the study was to evaluate the level of knowledge among parents about congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, focusing on audiological aspects. Materials and Methods: Both parents of pediatric patients evaluated at the Audiology Center of the Policlinico of Milan, between May 1, 2023, and April 30, 2024, were asked questions regarding their knowledge of congenital CMV infection. Parents of children with a known diagnosis of congenital CMV infection were excluded from the study. Results: A total of 308 parents (mean age: 32.3 ± 6.3 years) were evaluated. Overall, a significantly higher percentage of mothers compared to fathers: a) were informed by a healthcare professional about the possible auditory consequences associated with congenital CMV (39% vs 20.8%, P<0.001); b) were aware that CMV- seropositive women could still experience reactivation/new CMV infection during pregnancy, posing a risk of infecting the fetus (9.1% vs 3.2%, P=0.03); c) correctly answered all questions related to the horizontal transmission modes of CMV infection (20.1% vs 11.0%, P=0.03); and d) were knowledgeable about the types of hearing loss potentially caused by congenital CMV (9.7% vs 3.9%, P=0.04). Conclusions: The lack of knowledge about congenital CMV infection, as evidenced by the low percentage of correct answers to various questions, was common among all parents, highlighting the need to promote public health campaigns and prenatal education strategies aimed at increasing awareness of this important issue.