Seroprevalence, Immediate Adverseneonatal Outcomes and Factors Associated with Cytomegalovirus Infection Among Women Delivered at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital Uganda
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Date
2024-09
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Kampala International University
Abstract
Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a prevalent maternal infection during pregnancy, often leading to adverse fetal and neonatal outcomes. Despite its significant impact, CMV infection in postpartum women is rarely studied, particularly in the context of Uganda. This study aims to determine the seroprevalence of CMV, immediate adverse neonatal outcomes, and associated factors among postpartum women delivered at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital (FRRH), Uganda. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1 to April 30, 2024. A total of 351 postpartum women were enrolled using consecutive sampling. Data were collected using pre-tested questionnaires and blood samples, which were tested for CMV antibodies (IgG/IgM) using the CMV IGG/IGM COMBO RAPID TEST. Data analysis was performed using STATA Version 14.2, employing both bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to establish the relationships between independent and dependent variables, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: The study found a high CMV seroprevalence of 81.2% (95% CI: 76.7% - 84.97%) among postpartum women, with significant associations between CMV infection and adverse neonatal outcomes, including low birth weight (18.9%) and early neonatal death (17.4%). Multivariate analysis showed higher CMV seropositivity in women aged 25-34 (aOR: 2.9, 95% CI: 1.436 5.828, p = 0.003) and those aged 35 and above (aOR: 4.6, 95% CI: 1.800-11.524, p = 0.001). Rural residence (aOR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.203-4.152, p = 0.011), lower education levels, and a history of spontaneous abortion (aOR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.208-8.723, p = 0.020) were also associated with increased seropositivity. Conclusion: This study demonstrates a high prevalence of CMV among postpartum women in Uganda, with significant associations between CMV infection and adverse neonatal outcomes such as jaundice, low birth weight, and early neonatal death. Key risk factors include older maternal age, rural residence, lower education levels, and a history of spontaneous abortion. Enhanced screening and targeted interventions are urgently needed to reduce the impact of CMV on maternal and neonatal health.