Factors associated with primary cytomegalovirus infection during pregnancy

We compared a group of 40 susceptible pregnant women who acquired CMV during gestation with a group of 86 women of similar race and socioeconomic background who remained seronegative to define factors associated with the risk of CMV infection during pregnancy. A logistic regression model using a stepwise procedure showed that a positive statistically significant correlation occurred with the age of the mother, the father's high-intensity contact with young children, and children living at home. A negative correlation occurred with mother's high-risk intensity contact with children outside the home. This study underlines the possibility that pregnant women may acquire CMV infection introduced into the household by their young children and husbands, a phenomenon that is reminiscent of rubella infection.