Frequency of CMV testing during pregnancy-a retrospective study

Purpose

The cytomegalovirus (CMV) belongs to the family of human Herpesviridae and is distributed worldwide. It is the most common cause of viral congenital infections and can have serious consequences for the health of the fetus in the event of a vertical transmission. This study, taking place for the first time in Upper Palatinate, Bavaria, aims to evaluate the frequency of CMV testing among pregnant women in our region in Germany, which for some individuals can be an expensive individual health service.

Methods

Retrospectively, 1000 pregnant patients aged 17–45 years who were treated in the University Clinic St. Hedwig, Regensburg, Germany, were included in the study. It was investigated whether a CMV test was carried out during pregnancy and which results were obtained.

Results

597 patients (59.7%) had not received a CMV test during pregnancy. Among the 403 (40.3%) patients who had undergone CMV testing, seropositivity was detected in 143 (35.5%). 257 patients (63.8%) were seronegative, while 3 (0.74%) had a primary infection.

Conclusion

Although CMV is the most common pathogen of viral congenital infections and can severely impair the health of affected newborns, CMV diagnostics during pregnancy is still not an integral part of the maternity guidelines in Germany, but rather an individual healthcare service, meaning that the patients undergoing the test must bear the full cost. An antiviral treatment with valacyclovir has shown good preventive and therapeutic success, but unfortunately, there is currently no vaccination available to prevent vertical transmission, which is why early diagnosis and hygiene measures are the most important means of preventing seroconversion of the mother and possible infection of the fetus.