Major articleSeroprevalence of cytomegalovirus IgG antibodies among pregnant women in Japan from 2009-2014

- The overall cytomegalovirus IgG seropositivity rate was 69.1%.
- Parity is an independent determinant of cytomegalovirus IgG seropositivity.
- The seroconversion rate for cytomegalovirus IgG antibody during pregnancy was 0.37%.
- The chance of new cytomegalovirus infections among mothers during child-rearing was 3.3%.

BackgroundHuman cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a major cause of congenital infection. The seroprevalence of maternal CMV IgG antibodies among Japanese women is decreasing. In this study, we assessed the rate of and risk factors for CMV infection. This article includes a description of a method for the prevention of CMV infection.MethodsMedical records of 7,074 women who delivered a baby at our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. For seronegative patients, preventive educational materials were provided, and CMV IgG antibody levels were reassessed during late pregnancy. Congenital infection in neonates from seroconverted mothers was determined by urine analysis.ResultsThe overall CMV IgG seropositivity rate was 69.1%. The prevalence of CMV IgG increased with age and parity. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, parity remained an independent determinant of CMV IgG seropositivity. The seroconversion rate for CMV IgG antibody during pregnancy was 0.37%. Neonatal congenital CMV infection occurred in 37.5% of seroconverted women. The risk of primary CMV infection in mothers during their first pregnancy was 7.0%, with an average follow-up period of 2.1 years.ConclusionWe found that parity was an independent determinant of CMV IgG seropositivity, suggesting that child-rearing may be a high risk factor for maternal CMV infection. The provision of information on hygiene may be an effective and inexpensive method for preventing CMV infection.