Awareness of cytomegalovirus and risk factors for susceptibility among pregnant women, in Montreal, Canada

Background Advances in diagnostic and therapeutic modalities for congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection have generated a mounting interest in identifying mothers susceptible to CMV. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the prevalence and socio-demographic determinants of CMV susceptibility and CMV awareness, among pregnant women, in Montreal, Quebec. Methods Between April and December 2012, women delivering at Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte Justine were recruited for the study. Stored serum from the first trimester of pregnancy was tested for CMV IgG. Knowledge about CMV and socio-demographic characteristics were collected via standardized questionnaire. Results Four hundred and ninety one women were enrolled in the study. Overall, 225 mothers (46 %) were seronegative for CMV, and 85 % (n = 415) were unaware of CMV or the associated risks in pregnancy. Significant risk factors for CMV seronegative status included Canadian vs. foreign born (aOR 6.88, 95 % CI 4.33–10.94), and high vs. low family income (aOR 4.68, 95 % CI 2.09–10.48). Maternal employment status was the only significant predictor of CMV unawareness, with unemployed mothers at the highest risk (aOR 85.6, 95 % CI 17.3–421.3). Conclusions Nearly half of pregnant women studied were at risk of primary infection, and yet, the majority was unaware of potential risks associated with CMV. Canadian born mothers and those with a high socioeconomic status were more likely to be CMV seronegative. Increased education about CMV infection, through public health interventions and obstetrician/pediatric counseling, is needed for all pregnant women. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12884-016-0844-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.