Cytomegalovirus seronegativity rate in pregnant women and primary cytomegalovirus infection during pregnancy in rural Germany.

BACKGROUND: Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is the most common congenital infection worldwide and one of the leading causes of congenital hearing loss in newborns. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence rate for cytomegalovirus in pregnant women and the rate of CMV serological testing utilised during pregnancy in a rural region in Germany. METHODS: Retrospective data on the prevalence of CMV IgG and IgM antibodies were obtained from 3,800 women, identified in the study group of 19,511 pregnant women from outpatient settings whose samples were collected between 1 and 2014 and 30 April 2018. In addition, the serological CMV status in regards to various billing methods was further analyzed. RESULTS: Serological CMV tests were performed in 3,800 (19.5%) out of 19,511 pregnant women. 2,081 (54.8%) of these women were CMV seronegative. Among those, seroconversion rate of 0.37-1.42% was identified. A proportion of 2,710 (14.7%) of all 18,460 women with statutory health insurance made use of the CMV testing as an individual health service. CONCLUSIONS: The low uptake of CMV serological testing in the study population covered indicates low risk awareness among pregnant women and their healthcare professionals. Presented seronegativity rates and routine seroconversion rate, demonstrate importance to improve intervention strategy to prevent feto-maternal CMV transmission.

Cross-sectional study to assess awareness of cytomegalovirus infection among pregnant women in Germany.

BACKGROUND: Study aimed to assess awareness of congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and its determinants in pregnancy. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey was conducted in five hospital-based maternity units in Germany. Pregnant women attending the maternity departments completed interviewer/self-administered survey questionnaire. High-risk group was defined according to contact with children under five years of age (at home or at work). Quantitative analyses using multivariable logistic regression were performed. RESULTS: One thousand two hundred thirty-three pregnant women were included. 48.5% (n = 598) of women reported any knowledge about risk of CMV infection during pregnancy. CMV infection was less known than other infections or diseases (education about toxoplasmosis 95.5% (n = 1,177), listeriosis 60.5% (n = 746). 38% (n = 468) of participants received education about CMV. CMV awareness was associated with the level of education and employment in childcare or medical care. Only 32% (n = 394) of the women made use of serological screening for CMV during pregnancy (individual health service). 40.8% (n = 503) of pregnant women were classified as high-risk group. They had significantly higher knowledge and education about CMV, and msignificantlycant more often use of the serological screening. CONCLUSIONS: Less than half of pregnant women surveyed were aware of potential risk associated with CMV infection during pregnancy. In our study,one-third third of pregnant women made use of the serological screening for CMV. Regarding the lack of current consensus on the role of serological CMV screening for pregnant women, hygiene preventive measures are the only evidence-based recommendation for pregnant women and knowledge increase could potentially have major public health impact.