Relation of Human Cytomegalovirus Antibodies with Some Serum Proteins Levels among Pregnant Women in Kirkuk Province/ Iraq

Abstract

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a beta-herpesvirus that causes lifelong infection in humans especially during pregnancy can cause of congenital abnormalities. The process of viral entry and replication mainly depending on the interactions between virus proteins and host cell proteins. Objectives: The present study aimed to detect the relation of HCMV antibodies with some serum proteins levels among pregnant women in Kirkuk province. Methods: The current study was done in Kirkuk city from 15 January to 15 July 2017. It was included a total of 260 pregnant and 110 non-pregnant women (control group) aged (18-24 years old); who showed up at some private main laboratories in Kirkuk City (Mainly at Saya Main Lab. Which is Located at Dibis district). They were examined for the presence of HCMV antibodies (HCMV-IgG and HCMV-IgM) by using of Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique, and they were also examined for the total serum protein, serum albumin, and serum globulin levels using spectrophotometry technique. Results: The present study revealed that IgG antibodies rate (71.53 %) was the highest among the seropositive antibodies in pregnant women. The highest rate (47.05 %) of decreased level of serum albumin was found in those pregnant women who showed seropositivity for both (IgM and IgG) to HCMV at that same time. The study also showed non-significant relation between seropositive HCMV antibodies and total serum protein and globulin levels in pregnant women. Conclusions: High rate of pregnant women infected by Human Cytomegalovirus in Kirkuk province. The study also concluded that the HCMV infection may affect the rate of the serum albumin levels in pregnant women.