Comparison of the Frequency of CMV and Parvo B19 Infections in Intrauterin Fetal Death and Normal Pregnancy

Background & Aims: Maternal infections with parvovirus B19 and cytomegalovirus (CMV) maybe associated with intrauterine fetal death. The aim of this study was to compare frequency of CMV & Parvovirus B19 Infections in intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) and normal pregnancy. Methods: In a case-control study in Afzalipour Hospital during 2006 placental biopsies were collected from 70 cases of IUFD and 70 normal term pregnancies as controls and were examined for CMV DNA and parvovirus B19 DNA using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Maternal viral serology was measured as well. Results: Cytomegalovirus DNA on placental biopsies were recovered in 44.3% (31 cases) of cases and 5.7% (4cases) of the controls. (OR=11.6,95% CI 4.2-32.3, P=0.0001). CMV IgG antibodies were found in 98.6% of two groups. In whole, 44.3% of case group and 5.7% of the control group had CMV IgM antibodies (OR=13.11, 95% CI 4.3-39.95, P=0.0001). Parvovirus DNA were found in 10% (7 cases) of case group and 1.4% (1case) of the control group (0R=7.7, 95% CI 0.92-64, P=0.06). 37.2% of cases and 22.1% of the controls had IgG. IgM antibodies were found in 10% (7 cases) of the case group and 2.9% (2 cases) of the control group (OR=3.78, 95%CI 0.76-18.9, P=0.16). Conclusion: CMV maybe considered as an etiologic factor in fetal death. PCR on placental and presence of IgM antibodies can be used for diagnosis of this infection. Association of maternal parvovirus B19 infection with IUFD is not clear.