Seroprevalence and risk factors of cytomegalovirus infection in pregnant women in Lebanon: A retrospective study conducted at Hôtel-Dieu de France.

OBJECTIVES

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a major global public health concern, particularly, during pregnancy, due to its high seroprevalence and the risk of vertical transmission, leading to congenital infection and serious fetal complications. In Lebanon, data on CMV seroprevalence among pregnant women remain limited. This study aims to determine the seroprevalence of CMV among pregnant women in Lebanon and to explore associations with factors such as age, region of residence, and obstetric history.

METHODS

This retrospective observational study was conducted at Hôtel-Dieu de France Hospital in Beirut, Lebanon, between 2022 and 2024. Among 2100 pregnant women followed up during this period, 448 who underwent targeted serological screening for CMV immunity were included. Serological testing (immunoglobulin [Ig] G and IgM) was performed at the hospital laboratory using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Demographic and obstetric data, including age, region of residence, and obstetric history, were analyzed in relation to their serological status. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

RESULTS

CMV IgG seroprevalence was 71.2%, indicating a high rate of previous CMV immunity, whereas IgM prevalence was low (0.9%). No significant associations were found between CMV seropositivity and age, region of residence, or obstetric characteristics (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study, the first of its kind in Lebanon, reveals an intermediate-to-high CMV seroprevalence among pregnant women, consistent with other Mediterranean populations. The absence of significant association between seropositivity and certain demographic and obstetric variables may reflect socio-economic and geographic homogeneity within the studied cohort.