§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of Stale for Education and Science what progress is being made on the cytomegalovirus (CMV) vaccine; if there is any evidence that it can be reactivated in pregnancy; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacfarlaneI am advised that a small trial of a potential cytomegalovirus (CMV) vaccine on renal transplant patients is continuing at St. George's hospital medical school and King's college hospital. I understand, however, that, although further patients have been entered into the trial, it is too early for any firm conclusions to be drawn from it.
I am advised that epidemiological studies of CMV infection in pregnancy are continuing at St. Bartholomew's and Charing Cross hospitals. The Medical Research Council has recently awarded grant support to the research workers conducting these studies, to enable them to follow up those children identified with congenital CMV infection.
The Medical Research Council is not at present supporting any research directed towards establishing whether CMV can be reactivated in pregnancy. The council is always willing to consider support for any soundly based research proposals.