Seroprevalence of Human Cytomegalovirus and Its Association with Hepatic and Renal Function Markers among Pregnant Women in Dutse, Jigawa State

Abstract

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common viral infection and a leading cause of congenital infections. This study determined the sero-prevalence of CMV and assessed its association with hepato-renal functions among pregnant women attending antenatal care at General Hospital Dutse, Jigawa State. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 81 pregnant women. Serum samples were analyzed for CMV IgG and IgM antibodies using ELISA. Liver and kidney function parameters were determined using standard methods. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and binary logistic regression. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The result showed that CMV sero-prevalence was 61.7%. CMV IgG was positive in 60.5% of participants, (i.e. the sum of 45.7% and 14.8%), 16.0% were IgM positive (i.e. the sum of 1.2% and 14.8%) and 14.8% had both IgG and IgM. CMV sero-status was not significantly associated with trimester of pregnancy (p = 0.53). Significant differences were observed in liver enzyme levels across CMV sero-status groups, for ALT (p < 0.001), AST (p < 0.001), and ALP (p = 0.027). Parity was a significant predictor of CMV sero-positivity, with nulliparous women having higher odds of CMV infection (OR = 12.7, p = 0.031). CMV infection is highly prevalent among pregnant women in Dutse and is associated with altered liver enzyme profiles. Parity appears to be an important risk factor associated with CMV seropositivity.