Abstract
Sequence analysis of the UL144 gene of human cytomegalovirus (CMV) was used to investigate the epidemiology of CMV infections in preterm infants. Nosocomial transmission of CMV from congenitally infected infant to preterm twins was excluded based on distinct molecular profiles of CMV strains. Indistinguishable molecular profiles between strains from the mother and the infant indicated postnatal acquisition of CMV through breastfeeding.