Cytomegalovirus infection as a predictor of preterm delivery: A retrospective analysis
Ерте босанудың болжаушысы ретінде цитомегаловирус инфекциясы: ретроспективті талдау
Цитомегаловирусная инфекция как предиктор преждевременных родов: ретроспективный анализ
Zubkov D.V. Maidanova Z.O. Amirbekova Z.T. Shykhaliyeva K.T. Talgatbek A.Z.
30 December 2025Kaz Med Print LLP
Reproductive Medicine (Central Asia)
2025#2025Issue 4
Relevance: Preterm delivery is one of the major causes of perinatal complications and neonatal mortality. Among multiple risk factors, infectious and inflammatory processes – including viral infections that can disrupt placental blood flow and induce inflammation of the fetal membranes – play a key role. Cytomegalovirus infection (CMVI) is highly prevalent among women of reproductive age and often manifests in a latent form, making timely detection challenging. Previous or reactivated CMVI may impair placental hemorheology, trigger inflammatory cytokine activation, and provoke premature uterine contractions. Investigating the effect of prior CMV infection on preterm delivery risk is essential for early identification of high-risk groups and for developing preventive strategies to reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes. The study aimed to assess the impact of cytomegalovirus infection as a predictor of preterm delivery. Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis involved 273 pregnant women treated at City Hospital No. 1 of Karaganda, Kazakhstan, in 2023-2024. The participants were divided into the Main group, comprising women with confirmed CMVI (ELISA and PCR), and the Control group, comprising women with negative CMVI results (ELISA and PCR). Results: Preterm delivery occurred in 69.7% of women with prior CMVI and in 3.3% of controls. Risk indicators demonstrated a strong association (RR ≈ 20.9; OR ≈ 66.6; RD = 66.4%). Statistical significance was confirmed (p < 0.001; df = 1; χ2 = 134.0). Potential mechanisms include placental and myometrial inflammation, impaired placental perfusion, and immune alterations following latent infection. Conclusion: Previous cytomegalovirus infection represents a significant risk factor for preterm delivery. Women with positive preconception CMVI tests have a markedly increased likelihood of early delivery, contributing to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. These findings highlight the need for enhanced monitoring during pregnancy and increased vigilance among primary care physicians, particularly in late gestation.
cytomegalovirus infection (CMVI) , pregnancy , preterm delivery
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Karaganda Medical University, Karaganda, Kazakhstan
Karaganda Medical University
10 лет помогаем публиковать статьи Международный издатель
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