What is the likelihood that a fetus will show symptoms if the mother is infected with CMV?

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Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a virus that can cause serious complications during pregnancy and is the leading infectious cause of congenital disability in children. When a pregnant individual is infected with CMV, the risk of the fetus displaying symptoms can vary based on factors such as the timing of the maternal infection and the health of the mother.

Research indicates that when a mother acquires a primary CMV infection during pregnancy, approximately 10-15% of infants will show clinical symptoms of congenital CMV. These symptoms can range from mild to severe health issues, including developmental delays, hearing loss, and other neurological impairments. This statistic aligns closely with the chosen answer, highlighting the significant association between maternal infection and fetal outcomes.

The other options provide likelihood estimates that aren't backed by the typical ranges seen in clinical data regarding symptomatic congenital CMV infection. Therefore, the range of 10-15% is a well-established figure in the literature, reflecting the real-world risk for fetal symptoms when the mother is infected with CMV.

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