Possible roles of human cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin G and its avidity to specific human cytomegalovirus antigens in the prevention of abortion among pregnant women

Abstract

Abstract Background: The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a widespread viral pathogen characterized by strict host specificity and is limited to humans. It has been described as an important etiological agent of intrauterine infection during the pregnancy, that causes lifelong infection and may lead to some serious results such as miscarriage, cerebellar malformation stillbirth, and fetus developmental retardation. Objectives: The study was carried out in Kirkuk governorate from the August 2021 to April 2022 to analyze the seroprevalence of HCMV-immunoglobulin G (IgG) against some HCMV antigens and its relation to the history of abortion. Materials and Methods: A total of 220 pregnant women were examined for the seroprevalence of HCMV-IgG by using electro-chemo-luminescence technique and then examined their reactivity and avidity for specific HCMV antigens using line immune assay. Results: The findings of the study showed that among 120 HCMV-IgG seropositive pregnant women, the rates of IgG antibodies were 161 (73.18%). In terms of reactivity and avidity of HCMV-IgG against different HCMV antigens, the rates were as follows: 67 (55.83%) for HCMV IE1, 52 (43.33%) for CM2, 116 (96.66%) for p150, 68 (56.66%) for p65, 117 (97.5%) for gB1, and 82 (68.33%) for gB2 antigens. Among pregnant women with no previous history of abortion, the prevalence of HCMV-IgG reactivity against gB2 was 75.60%. Furthermore, the rates of HCMV-IgG avidity for HCMV antigens were 90.24% for CM2 and 83.05% for p65 antigens. Conclusions: This finding may refer to the possible role of the specificity of HCMV-IgG and its high avidity for specific HCMV antigens in the prevention of abortion among pregnant women infected with HCMV infection.