Seroprevalence of Cytomegalovirus among Pregnant Women in Islamabad, Pakistan

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was carried out in Islamabad city to investigate the prevalence and risk factors associated with CMV infection among pregnant women. Blood samples of 172 pregnant women visiting Mother and Child Healthcare, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Islamabad were obtained during the period from September 2013 to March 2014. In the present study, serum samples were analyzed for CMV-specific IgG and IgM antibodies by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Clinical, obstetrical and socio-demographical characteristics of the women were collected by using structured questionnaires. Out of 172 pregnant women included in the study, 171 (99.4%) were CMV specific IgG positive and 30 (17.4%) were found positive for CMV-IgM antibodies. There was no significant association between CMV positivity rate with any socio-demographical and obstetrical characteristic. The CMV has a very high prevalence and taken an endemic form in Pakistan so, routine screening of CMV among pregnant women is recommended.