--Disease Characteristics-- Symptomatic congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection confirmed by urine culture No CMV acquired natally or postnatally Normal eye exam and skull x-ray, computerized tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging No evidence of central nervous system CMV, e.g.: Microcephaly, hydrocephaly, or hydranencephaly Intracranial calcification Chorioretinitis Normal cerebrospinal fluid Preterm: WBC no greater than 30 Protein less than 120 mg/dL Term: WBC no greater than 25 Protein less than 80 mg/dL --Prior/Concurrent Therapy-- At least 2 weeks since investigational drugs No prior or concurrent antiviral agents --Patient Characteristics-- Life expectancy: No imminent demise Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.5 mg/dL Other: Birth weight at least 1200 g No congenital toxoplasmosis, congenital rubella, or syphilis No active systemic infection, i.e.: Bacterial Non-CMV viral, including HIV Protozoal Fungal No severe concurrent clinical condition, e.g.: Non-CMV congenital disease Genetic abnormality Moderate to severe hyaline membrane disease