Phase III Randomized, Controlled Study of Ganciclovir for Symptomatic Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection

PROTOCOL ENTRY CRITERIA: --Disease Characteristics-- * Symptomatic cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection: Central nervous system disease, with or without other organ system involvement, e.g.: Microcephaly, i.e., less than 5% for age Radiologic changes indicating brain disease Cerebrospinal fluid exam abnormal for age Chorioretinitis Hearing defects * CMV confirmed by urine, throat, buffy coat, and/or conjunctiva culture * No hydroencephalopathy or other devastating brain involvement --Prior/Concurrent Therapy-- * No concurrent antiviral agent No concurrent immune globulin --Patient Characteristics-- * Age: Under 1 month (preferably under 2 weeks) * Life expectancy: No imminent demise * Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.5 mg/dL * Other: Birth weight at least 1200 g Gestational age at least 32 weeks No HIV infection No concurrent bacterial infection Eligible if resolved following 2-week treatment and CMV symptoms persist