Prevalence of rubella and cytomegalovirus antibodies among pregnant women in northern Turkey.

Primary infections caused by rubella and cytomegalovirus (CMV) can lead to serious complications in pregnancy. Rubella and CMV screening of pregnant women is not routinely carried out in Turkey. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of rubella and cytomegalovirus among pregnant women. The study was carried out in Samsun Maternity and Women's Disease and Pediatrics Hospital in Samsun province, Turkey. Between September 2004 and September 2005, 600 pregnant women aged 17-40 years were enrolled in this study. The results of the antenatal screening for rubella and CMV during the first trimester of pregnancy were evaluated. Anti-IgG against rubella seropositivity was found in 566 (94.3%) and rubella IgM seropositivity in 10 (1.7%). The positivity for anti-CMV IgG antibody was found in 584 (97.3%), while 6 (1.0%) were positive for the anti-CMV IgM antibody. Pregnant women seronegative for rubella and CMV are susceptible to rubella and CMV primary infections. Preventive measures must be taken to decrease the mortality and morbidity related to congenital rubella and CMV infections. The rubella status should be investigated before pregnancy and seronegative females can be advised vaccination.