Seroprevalence of Human Cytomegalovirus IgG Antibodies and Risk Assessment of the Virus Infection among Pregnant Women in Tripoli, Libya

Abstract<b>Background</b>: HCMV infection is the most prevalent congenital viral infection around the world and the leading cause of sensorineural hearing loss in infants and young children. In Libya, only a few studies investigated the prevalence of HCMV infection among pregnant women. Due to these reasons, the purpose of this study is to identify the seroprevalence of anti-HCMV IgG in pregnant women who attended the reference medical laboratory—Tripoli. Additionally, to determine risk factors linked to HCMV IgG positivity in these pregnant women.<b>Material and methods</b>: A total of 97 serum samples were collected from pregnant women. The socioeconomic characteristics and risk factors for HCMV infection of every pregnant woman were collected via a questionnaire. Using the VIDAS CMV IgG (CMVG) assay, the sera of the pregnant women were tested for anti-HCMV IgG. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 statistical program was used to analyze the results.<b>Results:</b> Out of 97 pregnant women who participated in the study, 93 tested positive for an anti-HCMV IgG, yielding a seroprevalence of 95.8%. The seroprevalence of anti-HCMV IgG has no significant association with the type of ABO system, presence of antigen D, age group, place of residence, educational level, occupation, monthly income, gestational age, parity, abortion, stillbirths, and blood transfusion.<b>Conclusion:</b> The seroprevalence of anti-HCMV IgG among pregnant women in Tripoli, Libya, is high (95.8%), consistent with previous studies from underdeveloped nations. There was no significant association between HCMV IgG positivity and any risk factors associated with it An awareness program regarding HCMV infection, its potential risks, and transmission route is recommended.<b>DOI:</b> https://doi.org/10.54361/LJMR.19.1.22