Effects of Human Cytomegalovirus on Some Hematological Parameters and Liver Function in Pregnant Women, Yemen

Abstract

Background Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is a common congenital infection that affects approximately 0.7–1% of all live births worldwide. Approximately 11% of newborns who are infected show symptoms at birth, and of these, between 30% and 40% are at a risk of experiencing long-term neurological complications. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of HCMV on hematological parameters and liver function in pregnant women in Hajjah governorate, Yemen. Materials and Methods This study is a cross-section study that conducted in the Hajjah governorate of Yemen during a period of March to June 2023. A total of 108 blood specimens were collected from participants; 78 from patients group and 30 health group. Hematological parameters, such as total red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin (HB), platelet count (PLT), and white blood cells (WBC), as well as liver function tests, such as total protein, albumin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin, were measured. Results Majority of participant patients aged between 16–21 years 27 (34.7%), studied at secondary schools (46.2%), in their second trimester 51 (65.4%), those with multigravida 54 (69.2%), and those with no history of congenital diseases 60 (76.9%). Compared with the control group, the mean WBC levels were significantly lower in HCMV patients (P < 0.05), whereas PLT Levels were higher among HCMV patients (P < 0.05). Additionally, the mean levels of total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, SGOT, ALP, and albumin were significantly lower in patients with HCMV than in HC (P < 0.05). Furthermore, there were no significant differences between the patient and healthy groups in terms of HB, RBC counts, SGPT, and total protein (P > 0.05). Conclusion It can be concluded that HCMV infection had a statistically significant effect on WBC, PLT, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, SGOT, ALP, and albumin levels in pregnant women. Consequently, further studies are needed to define the role of HCMV in liver disorders.