Screening for cytomegalovirus in pregnant women

Abstract

Introduction: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a DNA virus of the family Herpesviridae, constitutes one of the main causes of congenital infections in the world, the overall prevalence of births in developed countries is 0.64% and the incidence of 1% -7%. The rate of acquisition of CMV in pregnant women is 2% per year, in the medium-high socioeconomic level and 6% at lower levels. The susceptibility is greater in African-American and Hispanic women. The risk ofmaternal-fetal transmission increases with advancing gestational age, also (30-40%) depends on maternal primary infection both seroconversion and in the revival (1-2%), highlighting that the pre-existing maternal immunity not prevent intrauterine transmission or the development of the disease.

Objective: To evaluate the frequency of Cytomegalovirus infection in pregnant women.

Material and methods: a study of non-experimental, observational -cross in the pro-life basic Hospital, of the city of Latacunga,Ecuador. Analyzed 981 results of screening for IgG and IgM for CMV, pregnant womages between 14 and 45 years who were enrolled in the first trimester of pregnancy, the period between January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2016. Descriptive statistical methods were used.

Results: IgG positive was 95.7% and no positive result for IgM.

Conclusions: We cannot support universal screening for CMV, by the low prevalence of infection.