This article presents the state of the art of congenital infection by cytomegalovirus in newborns, considered of important prevalence in the population. The most relevant characteristics and some aspects related to the immunity and epigenetics of the virus are documented to facilitate the understanding of the pathogenesis, treatment and sequelae. This provides tools for the identification of risk factors and the main clinical manifestations in both symptomatic and asymptomatic infection, so that the clinician improves the diagnosis and influences the prognosis of the course of the infection. Reference is made to updated guidelines and recommendations for the prevention, treatment and follow-up of patients at risk and with infection established. Abbreviations: CMV, cytomegalovirus; RN, newborn (s); CM VH, human cytomegalovirus.