Assessment of Some Key Haematological Parameters on Cytomegalovirus Antibody Positive Pregnant Women in Makurdi Nigeria

Background: There is high prevalence of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) in pregnancy worldwide, primary infection in particular has been associated with significant haematological changes and childhood neurodevelopmental disabilities. There is however, paucity of information on the effect of CMV seropositivity in pregnancy on the haematological parameters of pregnant women from our centre.

Aim: This study was therefore designed to determine the effects of CMV sero-positivity among pregnant women, in Makurdi Nigeria, on some key haematological parameters.

Methods: A cross sectional study of 211 pregnant women aged 15-50 years attending antenatal clinic at The Benue State University Teaching Hospital & Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, Nigeria, from November 2016 to April 2017 was conducted. They were screened & grouped based on their CMV status into three groups: The overall CMV status (irrespective of antibody type), CMV IgG status and CMV IgM status. Their Mean White Blood Count (WBC), Platelet Count, Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC), Absolute Lymphocyte Count (ALC) and Haemoglobin (Hb) levels were estimated & compared. Data obtained were coded, entered and analysed with SPSS version 20. Simple proportion was used to determine CMV positivity. The independent sample t-test and Pearson's chi-square were used for comparison of quantitative variables and chi-square test for qualitative variables. Relationships were determined, and a P< .05 was considered significant.

Results: The younger pregnant women age 21-30 years constituted 75.4%, and represented the highest respondents. In those who were CMV IgG positive, WBC, platelets, ALC & haemoglobin all appeared lower & ANC appeared higher. In the CMV IgM positive, Haemoglobin & platelets appeared lower, while WBC, ANC & ALC all appeared higher. Overall, in those positive for CMV (irrespective of antibody type), WBC, platelet and haemoglobin appeared lower and ANC & ALC appearing higher. In all, these differences were not statistically significant, with P> .05

Conclusion: Cytomegalovirus seropositivity was found not to have any statistically significant effect on the haematological parameters of the pregnant women. We recommend further research in this area, education, and follow up on women with primary infection.