Molecular detection of cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus 2, human papillomavirus 16–18 in Turkish pregnants

Abstract

Objective: Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common cause of viral intrauterine infections in the world. Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and human papillomavirus (HPV) are the main agents of viral sexually transmitted diseases, which cause genital ulcers and genital warts, respectively. HPV infection has been linked to the majority of the anogenital malignancies. The aim of this study was to detect the existence of CMV, HSV-2 and HPV type 16–18 in Turkish pregnants by using sensitive molecular assays. Methods: One hundred thirty-four women (18–41 years old; mean age ± SD: 27 ± 8) applied to outpatient clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, in between 18th - 22nd weeks of their pregnancy and a control group of 99 healthy women (15–39 years old; mean age ± SD: 24 ± 8) were included in the study. Cervical smear samples were used for DNA extraction. CMV, HSV-2 and HPV 16–18 detections were carried out by real time PCR and in house PCR method, respectively. Results: Three patients (3/134; 2.2%) were found to be positive for each HPV and HSV-2. Dual infection with HPV and HSV was found in just one patient. HPV 18 was detected in all positive samples. CMV was found to be positive in two patients (2/134; 1.4%). Conclusion: HPV, HSV and CMV must be screened due to high prevalence of these viruses in pregnants by using sensitive molecular methods. Keywords: pregnancy, infection, polymerase chain reaction