The diagnostic impact generated by the presence of Cytomegalovirus IgM antibodies in pregnancy

Abstract

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is one of the most common congenital infections and the most frequent cause of mental retardation and non-genetically cause of deafness. The risk of fetal transmission is above 40%. The objectives of this study were to review and improve the CMV diagnosis in pregnancy. Method: 50 pregnant women took part in the study. They were taken in evidence at the virology counseling office. The reason for the need of viral diagnosis came from the fact that the result of previous routine serological testing came out positive for CMV IgM antibodies (Ab). Based on the test result, the gynecologist may normally indicate the termination of the pregnancy. Results: In the virology counseling office the results for CMV IgM Ab test turn out negative in 48 of the 50 (96%) referred pregnant women. In two women CMV IgM Ab test turn out positive. These women also tested positive for CMV IgG Ab test. The pregnant women were also tested for pp65 antigenemia. They presented a four times raise in CMV IgG Ab titer. All the rest were negative for pp65 antigemenia. Conclusion: From the 50 women only two needed to terminate their pregnancies. It is important to test for CMV infection in pregnancy along with other viral, bacterial or parasitic infections, but the indication of pregnancy termination must be taken only after a thorough examination and testing. It would be helpful if CMV tests, as well as all the TORCH tests were supported by the health insurance system.