Seroprevalence of Human Cytomegalovirus in Pregnant Women in the Asir Region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection spreads easily by interpersonal contact.

Objective: This study determined the prevalence of seropositivity of cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the Asir Region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Methods: The study evaluated the seropositivity for cytomegalovirus-specific IgG in 460 females. Collected samples were processed and tested using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and specific HCMV IgG.

Results: The study showed that all the respondents aged 15-20 years were seropositive for the HCMV. HCMV seropositive status was recorded in 99.2% of the older patients (>40 years of age). In the remaining age groups, the rate of seropositivity ranged from 95.7 (age range 20-25 years) to 98.9% (age range 30 years).

Conclusions: In all age groups of females tested, the prevalence of seropositive for HCMV was high, i.e., in the range of 95.7-100%.

Keywords: HCMV; Human cytomegalovirus infection; IgG; Pregnant women; Saudi Arabia; Seroprevalence.