Beth, The reference you can use is "Breastfeeding and Lactation" (Second Edition) by Auerbach and Riordan, page 233. Yes, the CMV virus is transmitted in the milk but it delivers a protective effect. It is "permitted." Through my research on patenting of human milk components, lactoferrin is considered to inactivate CMV. Human lactoferrin (genetically engineered but nevertheless based on what human milk components can do to inactivate this virus) will be used by the pharmaceutical industry to treat CMV. The Auerbach and Riordan book they say, "breastfeeding has proven to be an important means of conveying passive immunity to CMV, a so-called natural immunization." (page230). The concern in regard to this virus is with preterm infant, as Pat says, because there is a risk of serious illness. Valerie W. McClain, IBCLC *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html