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. Key questions What is already known? Cytomegalovirus is the most common infection during pregnancy that can cause congenital CMV infections and known to cause long-term sequelae including sensorineural hearing loss of the developing fetus. However, data on maternal CMV infection lacking in Ethiopia besides there is no maternal CMV diagnostics and screening service for pregnant women. What are the new findings? A high prevalence 8.3% of CMV IgM and 88.6% of CMV IgG documented. Seroprevalence associated with older age women, currently unmarried and having nursery schooled children in the household. Also CMV seropositivity was significantly associated with any of detected curable STIs. What do the new findings imply? Known that there is no existing maternal CMV screening in Ethiopia, understanding the burden and the effect of maternal CMV infection will offer important information to the health care providers to prevent a sequel to the developing fetus. The current study provides valuable information on the associated factors with maternal CMV infection hence, training health care professionals will support awareness conception among pregnant women concerning the sequels for CMV infection during pregnancy.