CMV congenital infection is a leading cause of which outcome in children?

• A. Hearing loss
• B. Anencephaly
• C. Spina bifida
• D. Down syndrome

Answer: (A)

Hearing loss is the outcome most strongly linked to congenital CMV infection. CMV is the leading infectious cause of sensorineural hearing loss in children, and the loss can be present at birth or develop later, often affecting one or both ears and sometimes progressing over time. The virus targets the inner ear and auditory pathways, leading to lasting or progressive hearing impairment. By contrast, anencephaly and spina bifida are neural tube defects from developmental issues, and Down syndrome is a chromosomal abnormality (trisomy 21). So the option describing hearing loss best fits what congenital CMV typically causes.