Vitamin D Status, CMV Seropositivity, and Viral Cytokine Expression in Pregnancy

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the leading infectious cause of birth defects and has been linked to increased risk of preterm birth (PTB). CMV establishes lifelong latency and is more prevalent among Black and Hispanic/Latina women, populations already at higher risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Vitamin D deficiency, also common in these groups, has been linked to impaired immune function and increased susceptibility to infections, including CMV. In this cross-sectional study of 63 pregnant minority women (50 CMV+, 13 CMV-), we evaluated associations among serum 25(OH)D levels, CMV serostatus, and cmvIL-10, the CMV-encoded interleukin-10 homolog that modulates host immune responses. While vitamin D insufficiency and CMV seropositivity were both highly prevalent, we found no statistically significant associations between 25(OH)D levels and CMV serostatus or cmvIL-10 levels. These findings highlight the need for further investigation into how vitamin D deficiency and CMV infection may independently or synergistically contribute to maternal and neonatal health disparities.