Silent Threat: Investigating the Prevalence of Cytomegalovirus in Expectant Mothers in Northern Iran, Gorgan

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection during pregnancy is the leading cause of congenital infections globally, often resulting in significant health issues in newborns. These issues include sensorineural hearing loss, which can affect communication and language development, and neurodevelopmental delays that manifest as cognitive impairments, motor dysfunction, and behavioral challenges. The virus can be transmitted from the mother to the fetus, particularly if the mother experiences a primary infection during pregnancy. Early detection through maternal screening and fetal diagnostic tests, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of amniotic fluid, is crucial. Prompt management strategies, including antiviral therapies and immunoglobulin treatments, are essential to reduce viral load and mitigate these risks, thereby improving outcomes for affected infants. Vaginal secretions and blood specimens of 315 pregnant women referred to an educational hospital in the North east of Iran were tested for HCMV using PCR and ELISA assays. Chi-Square test was utilized to evaluate the association of qualitative variables and the level of significance was set at p≤0.05. Moreover, statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics V.26.0. The findings of the molecular and serological investigation of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in the current population revealed that 16.2% (51/315) of the individuals tested positive for DNA-CMV, 87.6% (276/315) displayed IgG antibodies, and 3.2% (10/315) had IgM antibodies. Studying the prevalence of CMV in pregnant women is crucial to understand the extent of maternal and fetal exposure to this virus, which can lead to significant congenital disabilities and developmental issues in newborns. This data is essential for developing effective screening protocols and preventive measures to mitigate the health risks associated with CMV infections during pregnancy.