Publication Details
Abstract
Background: Cytomegalovirus is a Herpesviridae family enveloped DNA virus. It is the most common reason for congenital infection. Cytomegalovirus infection during pregnancy can cause illness in infants. It is more common among pregnant women in undeveloped nations and among those with lower socioeconomic status.
Objective: Evaluate the prevalence of CMV infection and to identify risk factors for CMV seropositivity in pregnant women of Al-Diwaniyah Province.
Subject and methods: The study was carried out in Al-Diwaniayh province. The collection duration extended from August 2022 to November 2022. A 112 pregnant women were chosen as patient group from those attending Women's and Children's Teaching Hospital. The mean age of suspected patients was 25.86 ± 6.56 with a range of ages (15-45) years. Anti- CMV IgM and IgG antibodies were assayed by ELISA technique using (DRG kit – ELISA, USA ) following the company's instructions attached.
Results: The present results show 15 (13.4%) of pregnant women was with positive results for IgM and 97 (86.6%) was negative, and the differences was highly significant (p=0.001). Whereas the IgG findings show 68 (60.7%) of pregnant women was positive and 44(39.3%) have a negative result, and the differences was highly significant (p= 0.001).
Conclusion: Cytomegalovirus antibody seroprevalence in pregnant women is high (60.7%) in Al-Diwaniayh province . A nationwide serological test for CMV antibodies is recommended for pregnant women who are at risk of CMV infection. Antenatal risk group detection is a critical step in the prevention of congenital disorders.