50% of infertile women could benefit from virus screening

This study aimed to identify the percentage of women who would benefit from taking preventative measures to avoid HCMV infection during pregnancy.

Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the virus most frequently passed on to babies during pregnancy. Most people do not know whether they have had a HCMV infection in the past or have one currently; unless they have a weakened immune system, they are not likely to develop any symptoms. Symptoms include fever, swollen glands, and a sore throat. 10 to 15% of newborns infected with HCMV in the womb have serious complications that are present at birth. While there is no guaranteed way to avoid HCMV, risk can be lowered by taking precautions such as regular hand washing, avoiding contact with the saliva of young children and practicing safe sex.

This study examined 742 female patients and 817 male partners who were attending fertility clinics in Germany. Blood samples were tested to examine the percentage of women who were at risk of developing HCMV. They also examined whether people of certain nationalities were more likely to be infected.

The authors found that women were far more likely to be infected than men, with 45% of women having a previous infection compared to 33% of men. This meant that 55% of the female patients were susceptible to getting the infection for the first time. Of these women, 13% had a male partner with a previous history of infection. Therefore, these women were at risk of contracting HCMV if their partner’s infection were to become reactivated. Furthermore, HCMV infection was most common among patients with Turkish, African or Middle Eastern ancestry. 

The authors conclude that 55% of women having fertility treatment may benefit from taking measures to prevent HCMV infection.

Most of the patients in this study were of German or other European decent. Therefore, the percentage of women with previous HCMV infection may differ in the United States and in other countries. 

If you have questions or concerns about HCMV infection please discuss them with your doctor.