Prevalence of Maternal Cytomegalovirus Antibodies and Neonatal Congenital Cytomegalovirus at Less than 34 Weeks of Gestation: A Prospective Study

Abstract

Objective Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) acquired postnatally can lead to hearing loss and adverse central nervous system (CNS) function, especially in the preterm neonate. We prospectively determined the prevalence of maternal serum CMV-immunoglobulin (IgG) and the incidence of cCMV at <34 weeks of gestation. Study Design Study was conducted in the United States and India. Maternal blood was collected within 5 days after delivery. CMV-IgG antibodies were quantitated by an immunoassay. Baby's urine at birth was tested for CMV-DNA by the polymerase chain reaction. Results In total, 65 women and 74 neonates were studied. In the United States, 6 out of 21 (76%), while in India, 42 out of 44 (96%) mothers were seropositive (combined 89%). In the United States, none of the neonates had CMV in the urine, while in India 4 out of 52 (7.7%) were positive (combined 5.4%) Conclusion Mother's blood and baby's urine should be tested for serum CMV-IgG antibodies and CMV-DNA at delivery at <34-weeks of gestational age. Targeted screening will help in making an early diagnosis of cCMV, initiate therapy, and detect and treat early CNS problems including hearing loss. Key Points