ISSN : 2663-2187

Occurrence of Cytomegalovirus among pregnant antenatal and hospitalized women in Pointe-Noire, Kouilou department, Republic of the Congo

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Nanikaly Moyen , Annicet Boumba, Celeste Makaya, Audrey M Ombele, Ragive Takale, Chancelle Mottom, Roseline Loubaki, Adolphe Doukaga, Rachel Okobo , Joël Bidounga, Etienne Nguimbi
» doi: 10.48047/AFJBS.8.2.2026.75-88

Abstract

leading to serious neonatal complications. Despite high CMV seroprevalence in developing countries, data from the Congo are scarce. This study investigates CMV exposure among pregnant women in Pointe-Noire, Congo. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2023 to February 2024 with 84 pregnant women attending three healthcare facilities in Pointe-Noire. Sociodemographic, obstetric, and clinical data were collected via questionnaire. Serum samples were tested for CMV-specific IgG antibodies using ELISA. Statistical analyses evaluated associations with CMV seropositivity. Results: The samples came from antenatal units (72.6%) versus hospitalization wards (27.4%). The overall IgG seropositivity rate was 98,8%. The very high CMV IgG seropositivity 100% was: in women under 30; in informal and unemployed sectors; in primary and secondary education level and in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Clinical variables showed 100% positivity among women with fever, fatigue, headaches, joint pain, hypertension, and edema. Conclusion: The study demonstrates a high prevalence of CMV IgG antibodies among pregnant women in Pointe-Noire, indicating widespread exposure. These findings underscore the importance of increased awareness and potential monitoring of CMV infections during pregnancy in the Republic of Congo

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