PREVALENCE OF IgM ANTIBODIES AGAINST CYTOMEGALOVIRUS IN PREGNANT FEMALES

Abstract

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in pregnant females can be transmitted to the developing fetus. In fac t primary CMV infections are transmitted more frequently to the fetus and are more Ii kcl y to cause fetal damage than recurrent infections. The rate of vertical transmission was Found to be 0.2 to 2.2% in previously seropositive mothei-s undergoing recurrent infection during pregnancy and 20 to 40% in pregnant women "vi lh primary infection. This vertically transmitted CMV infection is responsible for congenital abn0n11alities in the developing fetus or sequele which develop later in their lives. Primary infection in an individual can be diagnosed by detecting CMV specific IgM antibodies in the serum sample. In the present study 344 blood samples were collected from pregnant females visiting the antenatal clinic. These samples were screened for CMV specific IgM, by Llsing ELISA. CMV specific IgM antibodies were found to be present in 6.1 % of the pregnant females. These females can actively transmit infection to the fetus. The effect 0 r ccrtai n parameters like age. stage of pregnancy, parity, ab0l1ion, status of HBV. HCY and the socioeconomic status was studied on CMV IgM seropositivity. Our resu lts show that age. stage of pregnancy, parity, status of HBV and Hey have no significant effec t on CMV IgM seropositivity. While socioeconomic status and abortion contributes toward CMV IgM seropositivity i.e prevalence of IgM antibodies was higher in pregnant women belonging to low socioeconomic status and in women with history of abortion. From our results we conclude the primary CMV infection is common in our antenatal population. Congenital CMV infection can be prevented mainly by educating the antenatal population about the possible risk factors. With the absence of a safe vaccine, women at the onset of pregnancy should be advised to practice careful hygiene and to minimize contact with carriers and other sources 01' infection ill order to dccn:asc the chances of infection.