Risk Factors and Outcomes of Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection in West Africa
Author Information
Author(s): Marianne A.B. van der Sande, Steve Kaye, Miles David J.C. Waight, Pauline Jeffries, David J. Ojuola, Olubukola O. Palmero, Melba Pinder, Margaret Ismaili, Katie L. Flanagan, Aveika Akum, Akram Zaman, Sarah Rowland-Jones, Samuel J. McConkey, Hilton C. Whittle, Arnaud Marchant
Primary Institution: Medical Research Council Laboratories, Fajara, The Gambia
Hypothesis
Placental malaria and CMV maternal viral load would contribute to the risk of congenital infection.
Conclusion
The prevalence of congenital CMV among healthy neonates was much higher than previously reported in industrialized countries and was associated with active placental malaria infection.
Supporting Evidence
- The prevalence of congenital CMV infection was 5.4% among the studied infants.
- Congenitally infected children were more often first born babies.
- Active placental malaria was more prevalent among congenitally infected infants.
Takeaway
This study found that many babies in The Gambia are born with a virus called CMV, which can come from their mothers, especially if the mothers have malaria.
Methodology
Urine samples were collected from newborns and tested for CMV DNA; risk factors were assessed through follow-up evaluations.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the exclusion of certain infants and reliance on maternal reporting for health complaints.
Limitations
The study may have underestimated the incidence of congenital CMV infection due to exclusion of low birth weight infants and those needing immediate medical transfer.
Participant Demographics
Term infants born in a peri-urban area of The Gambia, with a variety of ethnic backgrounds.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 2.0-13.7 for first pregnancies
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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