Human Cytomegalovirus IgM Antibodies Seropositivity Among Pregnant Women in Ante-natal Clinics in Birnin-Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria

Infection with Cytomegalovirus (CMV), especially in pregnancy, may cause pregnancy complications such as congenital infection, non-hereditary deafness, intrauterine growth restriction and other health defects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of CMV IgM antibodies in pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at General Hospital, Zauro/Ambursa and Mayo Foundation Clinic and Maternity, Birnin-Kebbi. Serum samples were collected from 92 pregnant women. CMV IgM antibodies were detected using an enzymelinked immunosorbent assay method for IgM. Of the 92 pregnant women tested, CMV IgM antibody was found in 1(1.1%) of the women while 91(98.9%) did not have the CMV IgM antibodies. The diagnosed CMV IgM antibody seropositive pregnant women was educated, civil servants, residing in the urban areas and in her third trimester in first pregnancy. Although, a low proportion of pregnant women is exposed to CMV current infection, it is recommended that there should be voluntary screening of all pregnant women, as part of their antenatal care, so that seropositive women with primary infection could be offered the opportunity for prenatal screening and be informed of intervention options.