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Abstract

Cytomegalovirus (CMV), a member of the herpes family, belongs to a group of viruses referred to as the TORCH complex
comprising (Toxoplasmosis, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus and Herpes Simplex). Known to be frequently transmitted to
developing fetus, it remains one of the leading causes of congenital viral infections. Although the infection has been detected in
Nigerian neonates, its awareness is limited particularly in a growing metropolitan city like Makurdi, Nigeria. In this study, the
prevalence of CMV antibodies and their association with some socio-demographic factors in pregnant women was evaluated.
Pregnant women (N=375; age range = 15 to 50 years) attending ante-natal clinic in different hospitals in Makurdi were
screened for the infection. Five-ml venous blood was collected from each participant for serological studies, and structured
questionnaire was used to obtain socio-demographic data. Serum samples were assayed using ELISA technique. The overall
prevalence of anti-CMV IgG-antibodies was 93.3% (n=350) and was 3.5% (n=13) for anti-CMV IgM-antibodies.Prevalence
of the anti-CMV antibodies was significantly associated with gravidy and marital status (P<0.05): the seroprevalenceof CMV
antibodies was higher in women who have had more than one pregnancy. The prevalence of anti-CMV IgG antibodies was
highest (100%) in older pregnant women aged 41-50 years, but was lowest (85.0%) in younger ones aged 15-20 years. Risk
factors for the disease such as history of blood transfusion, scarification, and multiple sexual partners were important, even
though not statistically significant (P>0.05). Women of child-bearing age in the growing metropolitan city of Makurdi, Nigeria
need to be educated on precautionary measures that will prevent cytomegalovirus infection.

Biography

Ebele U Umeh got his Ph.D. from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Presently she is a Professor of Microbiology and lectures at the University of Agriculture,
Makurdi, Nigeria. She is a member of the University Senate and University Senate Business Committee. She has headed a Department in her University. She
supervises Masters and Doctoral research studies in her University, and is an external examiner and visiting lecturer to a number of universities. Some of the
courses she teaches include bacteriology, medical microbiology, food microbiology, industrial microbiology, microbial genetics, etc. She has published articles in
peer reviewed local and international journals.