Investigation of cytomegalovirus infections in fetuses with suspected prenatal infection

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections are common all over the world. However, it is an important cause of mortality and morbidity in people with immune system defects and congenital infections. Congenital CMV infections are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders and anomalies seen in pregnancy and newborns. In our study, the aim is evaluating the serum and amniotic fluid samples taken from 141 pregnant women between the ages of 19-45 and diagnosed with congenital anomalies, who applied to the Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Outpatient Clinics, and determining the differentiating between acute and chronic infections with prevalence of CMV infection. CMV IgM, CMV IgG and CMV IgG avidity tests were investigated by ELISA method. The presence of CMV DNA in amniotic fluid samples was evaluated by Real-Time PCR (RT-PCR) method. When the serological test results of the pregnant women were evaluated, CMV IgG was positive in 141 pregnants (100%) and CMV IgM was suspected positive in 2 (1.41%) pregnant woman. As a result of the CMV IgG avidity test in the suspected positive samples, low avidity was detected in the maternal serum. When the quantitative viral load results were evaluated, CMV DNA was detected in 17 (12,05%) pregnant women. Since serological methods are insufficient in determining congenital infections that may occur during pregnancy, obstetricians' evaluation of clinical findings together with PCR tests is important in terms of determining acute infection or reactivation.