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Cytomegalovirus is a viralgenus of the viral family known as Herpesviridae or herpesviruses. It is typically abbreviated as CMV. The species that infects humans is commonly known as human CMV (HCMV) or human herpesvirus-5 (HHV-5), and is the most studied of all cytomegaloviruses. HCMV infection during pregnancy results in transmission to a developing fetus. Between 0.2% and 2% of newborns are infected in studies that have been carried out worldwide. HCMV infection occurs earlier in life and is more widespread in developing countries and, in developed countries, in communities with lower socioeconomic status. HCMV represents the most significant infectious cause of birth defects in industrialized countries. Congenital HCMV "infection is the leading infectious cause of deafness, learning disabilities, and mental retardation in children.