Using the ELISA technique, cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgG and IgM values were measured in the sera of 176 subjects who delivered healthy term infants and in the cord sera of their newborn babies. IgG was positive in 149 of 176 maternal sera and in 6 of 176 newborn cord sera. The subjects were classified into three socioeconomic levels: high, moderate and low. The distribution of IgG and IgM positivity among the three groups revealed significant differences (p < 0.05). The fetus and the placenta are affected during primary and reactive infections in pregnancy. The percentage of IgM-positive infants delivered by IgM-positive patients was found to be highly significant. CMV IgG is not always protective against reinfection. In our study, IgM was positive in 24 women in spite of IgG positivity. The distribution of CMV seropositivity was not significantly different with regard to age and parity. CMV infection is an important risk factor in pregnancy as it is the most frequent congenital and early postnatal infectious agent.

Keywords:
Cytomegalovirus infection, Cytomegalovirus seropositivity, Perinatal infection
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1996 S. Karger AG, Basel
1996
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.