Seroprevalence of teratogenic viruses among women of childbearing age in Botswana

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Abstract Background Teratogenic viruses are viruses than can cross the placenta and infect a growing foetus, resulting in malformations and birth defects. Some of the commonly known teratogenic viruses include cytomegalovirus (CMV), rubella, herpes simplex and varicella zoster (VZV) viruses. Most birth defects associated with these infections affect the central nervous system and sensory organs leading to symptoms that include mental retardation, hearing loss and blindness. The economic burden caused by congenital birth defects is high, as many affected children require special care, therapeutic and educational services. Despite the risk posed by teratogenic viruses during pregnancy, there is no national screening for active CMV, Rubella or VZV infection during pregnancy in Botswana and most African countries. Furthermore, data on the seroprevalence of these viruses among women of childbearing age is limited. Methods and setting This cross-section study used eighty-nine (89) residual plasma samples from Scottish Livingstone Hospital Laboratory in Molepolole-Botswana. Samples were from women between the ages 15-49 years. Samples were tested for antibodies against rubella, VZV and CMV using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Results Our results show a high seroprevalence of rubella IgG antibodies (97%), even though a small proportion (3%) of women are still susceptible. There was also a high seroprevalence of CMV IgG (100%) which was accompanied by an equally high CMV IgM of 98%. Seroprevalence of VZV IgG was low (63%) and 3% of the samples showed active VZV infection. Conclusions Teratogenic viruses are a concern in the population. This calls for preventative measures which include prompt screening and vaccination of susceptible eligible women to prevent congenital abnormalities in children.

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