Seroprevalence of Cytomegalovirus Antibodies in Pregnant Women, Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

Cytomegalovirus (CMV), a member of the herpes family, belongs to a group of vertically transmitted infections referred to as the TORCH complex including: Toxoplasmosis, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus and Herpes Simplex. Known to be frequently transmitted to developing foetus, it remains one of the leading causes of congenital viral infections. Although the infection has been detected in Nigerian neonates, its awareness is limited particularly in a growing metropolitan city like Makurdi, Nigeria. In this study, the prevalence of CMV antibodies and their association with some socio-demographic factors in pregnant women was evaluated. Pregnant women (N=375; age range=15 to 50 years) attending ante-natal clinic in different hospitals in Makurdi were screened for the infection. Five-ml venous blood was collected from each participant for serological studies, and structured questionnaire was used to obtain socio-demographic data. Serum samples were assayed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. The overall prevalence of anti-CMV IgG-antibodies was 93.3% (n=350) and was 3.5% (n=13) for anti- CMV IgM-antibodies. Prevalence of anti-CMV IgG and IgM antibodies was significantly associated with gravidity (PIgG=0.012; PIgM=0.001), while prevalence of anti-CMV IgM only was associated with marital status (P=0.035). The prevalence of anti-CMV IgG antibodies was highest (100%) in older pregnant women aged 41-50 years, but was lowest (85.0%) in younger ones aged 15-20 years. Risk factors for the disease such as history of blood transfusion, scarification, and multiple sexual partners were important, even though not statistically significant (P>0.05). Women of child-bearing age in the growing metropolitan city of Makurdi, Nigeria need to be educated on precautionary measures that will prevent cytomegalovirus infection.