Seroprevalence and associated factors of maternal cytomegalovirus in Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common infection during pregnancy that poses the risk of congenital CMV infections (cCMV) worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess the seroprevalence and associated factors of CMV among pregnant women in Southern Ethiopia. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on consecutive women attending the delivery ward at Hawassa comprehensive and specialized hospital. Blood samples collected at the time of delivery were tested for CMV IgG and IgM using ELISA. Study participants responded to a questionnaire about obstetric history and socio-demographic characteristics. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.0 software. Chi-square, bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify characteristics independently associated with the sero-status of CMV. Results: Seropositivity for CMV IgM antibodies was 8.2% (49/600) (95% CI: 6 -10.5%), whereas the CMV IgG was 88.6% (532/600), (95% CI: 89.5 - 94.0%). Seroprevalence was higher in women of older age, currently unmarried and having nursery schooled children. Moreover CMV seropositivity was significantly associated with any of detected curable STIs. Seroprevalence was not significantly related to previous adverse pregnancy outcome, gravidity, being a child day care occupant mother, and birth weight of the newborn. Conclusion: In the present study, we identified a high rate of CMV IgM seropositivity among pregnant women in southern Ethiopia. Given that there is no existing CMV diagnosis, special attention should be designed for pregnant women in parallel to the existing antenatal care facility. Besides, training health care professionals will support awareness conception among pregnant women concerning the sequels of CMV infection during pregnancy.