Cytomegalovirus Infection Rates in the U.S.
Author Information
Author(s): Fernando AB Colugnati, Stephanie AS Staras, Sheila C Dollard, Michael J Cannon
Primary Institution: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hypothesis
What is the incidence of cytomegalovirus infection among the general population and pregnant women in the United States?
Conclusion
Thousands of CMV infections occur in pregnant women each year, with significant racial/ethnic disparities in incidence.
Supporting Evidence
- The force of infection was 1.6 infections per 100 susceptible persons per year.
- Approximately 27,000 new CMV infections occur among seronegative pregnant women in the U.S. each year.
- CMV infection rates were significantly higher among non-Hispanic Blacks and Mexican Americans compared to non-Hispanic Whites.
Takeaway
CMV is a virus that can cause serious problems for babies if their mothers get infected during pregnancy, and many women in the U.S. get infected each year.
Methodology
The study used data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to estimate CMV incidence using catalytic models.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to reliance on seroprevalence data from a single time point.
Limitations
The study was based on a single, cross-sectional survey, which may not accurately reflect current incidence rates.
Participant Demographics
Participants were U.S. residents aged 12-49, including various racial/ethnic groups.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 1.2, 2.4
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website