Screening of cytomegalovirus seroprevalence among pregnant women in Ankara, Turkey: A controversy in prenatal care

Abstract

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) seropositivity is common among pregnant women. CMV is the most common of the
teratogenic viruses and is a leading cause of neurological impairment in newborns, especially sensorineural
deafness. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of CMV among pregnant women in a tertiary
maternity hospital setting in Ankara, Turkey. The study was conducted on 11,360 pregnant women in the first
trimester admitted to Zekai Tahir Burak Women’s Health Education and Research Hospital in Ankara, Turkey,
between the years 2008 to 2010. Of the 11360 women, 11189 (98.5%) and 35 (0.3%) were seropositive for
ImmunoglobulinG (IgG) and ImmunoglobulinM (IgM) anti-CMV antibodies, respectively. Evaluations of age-specific
subgroups indicated high CMV seropositivity rates for all age groups. CMV seropositivity is common among
pregnant women. Widespread population screening may aid in preventing congenital infections by this agent.
Seroprevalence studies are needed to assess the burden of infection, to identify groups at special risk and to aid in
the design of future preventive measures and vaccine strategies.