Purpose: In Angola, there are no reports of cytomegalovirus (CMV) studies in population. Therefore, the main objective was to study the seroprevalence of anti-CMV IgG and IgM antibodies in pregnant women, identify maternal primary infection through anti-CMV profiles during pregnancy and to evaluate the social-demographic risk factors associated with CMV infection.
Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out to study the prevalence of CMV in pregnant women attending prenatal consults at the Lucrecia Paim Maternity Hospital, Luanda, Angola. Blood samples were collected from August 2016 to May 2017 and specific antibodies anti-CMV (IgG and IgM) were quantified according to the manufacturer instruction´s (COBAS e411 from Roche; Sistemas de Diagnósticos Lda). Demographic and clinical data were collected by questionnaire after written consent. The statistical and descriptive analysis of the data was developed using the SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, SPSS Inc.) version 20.0 for Windows. Statistical significance was considered when P value <0.05.
Results: 396 women, aged 15-47 years, participated in the study. Of the women tested, 387 (96.5%) presented positive anti-CMV IgG antibodies, 8 (2.0%) presented positive anti-CMV IgG and IgM antibodies and 6 (1.5%) were seronegative. Women's age, abortion history was statistically significant associated with CMV infection, while parity, literacy, knowledge of disease, residence, and employment were not significantly (P> 0.05) associated.
Conclusion: Overall, this study showed that there is a high seroprevalence of CMV antibodies in pregnant women in Luanda. Therefore, it is important inform clinical staff that the rapid and accurate diagnosis of CMV infection in pregnant women is essential to prevent major complications, as congenital infections. It would be important implemented national screening on CMV and other diseases linked to maternal and children health.
Amelia Nkutxi Vueba
– Doctoral student, University of Coimbra, CoimbraMaria do Céu Sousa
– Assistant Professor, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of CoimbraAmélia João Alice Nkutxi Vueba
– Doctoral student, University of CoimbraAmélia Nkutxi Vueba
– University of Coimbra, Coimbra301 Views