High susceptibility to cytomegalovirus infection of pregnant women in Flanders, Belgium

Abstract

Maternal antibodies against cytomegalovirus(CMV) infection offer, to some extent, protection against congenital CMV infection. Thisstudy describesthe seroprevalence of CMV-specific IgGin 220 parturient women during pregnancy, at delivery, at 3 months after delivery and in their cord blood (Flanders,Belgium, 2006-2008).ELISA was used to measure IgG. Ofthis population, 30% had positive IgG titres. Active transplacentaltransport was confirmed with a ratio 1.15/1. Elevated maternalIgGtitre and increased parity, but not age, were significantly associated with higherseroprevalence of CMV-specific IgG in the cord blood. These data indicate a high susceptibility to CMV among fertile women.Prenatal prevention and otherstrategiesto prevent intra-uterine infection are of critical importance in a highly susceptible population.