Association Between Human Cytomegalovirus Infection and Spontaneous Abortion Among Pregnant Women: Evidence from Al-Muthanna Province, Iraq
| Author | Mohamed Mjaod al-Zyad | en |
| Author | Mohammad Roayaei Ardakani | en |
| Author | Seyedeh Elham Rezatofighi | en |
| Author | Ali Njum | en |
| Orcid | Mohammad Roayaei Ardakani [0000-0003-4140-4303] | en |
| Orcid | Seyedeh Elham Rezatofighi [0000-0003-1373-7346] | en |
| Issued Date | 2026-04-30 | en |
| Abstract | Background: Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) can infect individuals of any age, particularly pregnant women. HCMV infection is among the most common fetal viral infections. In addition to congenital disorders, HCMV may cause spontaneous abortion by impairing placental function. However, the potential role of HCMV in spontaneous abortion remains controversial. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of acute and chronic HCMV infection in women with spontaneous abortion compared with pregnant women without abortion in Al-Muthanna Province, Iraq, using serological and molecular methods. Methods: A total of 300 blood samples were collected from women with spontaneous abortion, and 100 samples were collected from pregnant women without abortion. The samples were obtained from women referred to maternity and children’s hospitals in Al-Muthanna Province, Iraq, between November 2023 and May 2025. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies were detected using a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and nested polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect viral DNA. Results: The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results showed that among women with abortion, 220 (73.3%) and 30 (10%) were positive for anti-HCMV IgG and IgM antibodies, respectively. In contrast, among women without abortion, 20 (20%) were positive for IgG, whereas IgM antibodies were not detected. Viral DNA was identified in 3 samples from women with abortion, whereas all samples from healthy pregnant women were negative. A significant association was observed between the presence of HCMV antibodies and spontaneous abortion (P < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest an association between HCMV infection and spontaneous abortion in Iraq. The highest IgG and IgM seropositivity rates were observed among women who experienced abortion during the first trimester, suggesting primary or recurrent infection. Moreover, the seroprevalence of HCMV IgG increased with age, reflecting increased exposure to the virus over time. | en |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.5812/jjm-168849 | en |
| URI | https://brieflands.com/journals/jjm/articles/168849 | en |
| Keyword | Human Cytomegalovirus | en |
| Keyword | Spontaneous Abortion | en |
| Keyword | Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay | en |
| Keyword | Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction | en |
| Publisher | Brieflands | en |
| Title | Association Between Human Cytomegalovirus Infection and Spontaneous Abortion Among Pregnant Women: Evidence from Al-Muthanna Province, Iraq | en |
| Type | Research Article | en |
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