Immunoglobulin-M (IgM) antibody against cytomegalovirus among females of reproductive age in Buguma, Rivers State, Nigeria

Infection with the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), particularly in pregnant women, can result in congenital abnormalities and is frequently linked to significant side effects such as microcephaly, mental retardation, deafness, and spastic paralysis. In the Buguma city of Rivers State, a cross-sectional study was conducted to ascertain the seroprevalence of HCMV infection and related risk factors among females of reproductive age. A structured questionnaire was given to 93 females in Buguma of reproductive age and matched for socio-demographic traits between December 2021 and January 2023. By venous puncture, five millilitres (5 ml) of blood were obtained, centrifuged, and plasma was collected. Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent test, plasma was analyzed for the presence of HCMV immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies (ELISA). SPSS Version 17 was used to analyze the data. There were 93 participants in all. The findings indicated that the highest proportions of participants were found in the age range of 31 to 40 years, the married (59.1%), those with tertiary education (64.5%), and business/traders (38.0%). Nineteen females (20.4%) tested positive for HCMV IgM antibodies. Compared to other age groups, the HCMV IgM age-specific seroprevalence was highest in people under 20 (25.0%) and closely followed by those in the 21–30 age range (23.3%). As people get older, HCMV infection rates decline. The frequency of HCMV IgM was higher in married people (21.8%) than in single people (18.4%). Compared to women with secondary education (12.1%), those with university education (25.0%) had a higher prevalence. Compared to other occupational groups, teachers had a higher frequency (33.3%). None of the patient demographic traits revealed a statistically significant correlation with HCMV serostatus. In the Nigerian town of Buguma, Rivers State, the investigation verified the existence of HCMV infections among females of reproductive age. The significant seroprevalence of anti-HCMV IgM antibodies in these females suggested recent virus exposure. This observation suggests that the virus is widespread in the research region. It is advised that routine CMV infection screening be adopted for all females of reproductive age across the state and the nation.