Silent Threat: Investigating the Prevalence of Cytomegalovirus in Expectant Mothers in Northern Iran, Gorgan.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection during pregnancy is the leading cause of congenital infections worldwide, often resulting in significant health issues in newborns. These issues include sensorineural hearing loss, which can impair communication and language development, as well as neurodevelopmental delays such as cognitive impairments, motor dysfunction, and behavioral challenges. The virus can be transmitted from the mother to the fetus, particularly if the mother experiences a primary infection during pregnancy. Early detection through maternal screening and fetal diagnostic tests, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of amniotic fluid, is crucial. Prompt management strategies, including antiviral therapies and immunoglobulin treatments, are essential to reduce viral load and mitigate these risks, thereby improving outcomes for affected infants. In this study, vaginal secretions and blood specimens from 315 pregnant women referred to an educational hospital in northeastern Iran were tested for HCMV using PCR and ELISA (ELISA stands for Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay). Chi-Square test assessed association qualitative variables, with a significance level at p≤0.05. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics V.26.0. The findings of the molecular and serological investigation of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in the current population revealed that 16.2% (51/315) of the individuals tested positive for DNA-CMV, 87.6% (276/315) displayed IgG antibodies, and 3.2% (10/315) showed IgM antibodies. Studying the CMV prevalence in pregnant women is crucial to understand maternal and fetal exposure to this virus, which can lead to significant congenital disabilities and developmental issues in newborns. These data are essential for developing effective screening protocols and preventive measures to reduce health risks associated with CMV infections during pregnancy.