Human Cytomegalovirus IgM among Pregnant Women Attending Faith Alive Foundation Jos, Nigeria

Nkup JY, Titus O, Mustapha RA, Cirfat NA, David SA, Augustine UA, Katnap RS, Mafeng HT, Goyil GA, Ukah FO, Abubakar F, Dangari AM, Mitu CG, Okojokwu JO, Hashimu Z and Anejo Okopi AJh

Published on: 2025-07-18

Abstract

Background: Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection in pregnancy is usually asymptomatic but can result in serious congenital complications, including neurological disorders, sensory impairments, and intrauterine growth restriction. Despite its burden, little is known about current seroprevalence in many parts of Nigeria.

Aim: This study aimed to detect the presence of HCMV IgM antibodies and evaluate associated risk factors among pregnant women attending Faith Alive Foundation, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 88 consenting pregnant women. Blood samples were collected and screened for HCMV IgM using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A structured questionnaire was used to gather socio-demographic and clinical data. Chi-square tests and univariate logistic regression were applied to evaluate associations, with a p-value ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results: The overall HCMV IgM seroprevalence was 36.36%. Higher prevalence was observed among women aged 56–65 years (50.0%), married participants (38.24%), those with secondary education (66.67%), and businesswomen (54.55%). CMV prevalence among diabetic patients was 75.00%, and the highest rate by blood group was in O+ individuals (40.74%). However, no statistically significant association was found between infection and assessed risk factors.

Conclusion: The high prevalence of HCMV IgM among pregnant women in Jos signals a need for targeted awareness, screening, and prevention efforts, especially among older, married, diabetic, and business-engaged women. Further studies are recommended to explore the role of diabetes and blood group O+ in CMV susceptibility.