Association of CMV, HSV-2, and HPV infections with spontaneous abortion

Spontaneous abortion (SA) is a common pregnancy complication, and viral infections have been proposed as potential risk factors. This study investigated the prevalence of cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), and human papillomaviruses (HPVs) in women with SA compared to healthy pregnancies.

A case-control study was conducted including 50 women with SA and 50 pregnant women without complications. Maternal blood, umbilical cord blood, placental tissue, and cervical swabs were analyzed for viral DNA using polymerase chain reaction with virus-specific primers. β-actin served as an internal control. Demographic and clinical data were also compared.

The mean age did not differ significantly between groups (30.02±4.73 vs 29.42±4.54 years, P=.52). Compared with controls, women with SA had significantly higher symptoms of infection during pregnancy (42% vs 16%, P<.01). There was no significant difference in frequency of detected CMV DNA between SA and control groups (4% vs 0%, P=.49). Similarly, frequency of HSV-2 (6% vs 0%, P=.24), and HPV (14% vs 4%, P=.16) did not differ significantly between SA and control groups, respectively. Among HPV subtypes, HPV-16 and HPV-53 were found exclusively in SA cases with no significant difference.

Despite slightly higher detection rates of CMV, HSV-2, and HPV in women with SA, no statistically significant association was found between these viral infections and spontaneous abortion. Larger studies are required to further clarify their role in pregnancy outcomes.