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) andImmunoglobulinM (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.

Key words: Cytomegalovirus (CMV), seroprevelance, pregnancy, avidity.