Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is one of the leading causes of birth defects and childhood disability in the US.
Methods: To determine the CMV seroprevalence of adolescent females, serum antibody in 12-17 year olds at Cincinnati Children’s, UT Medical Branch at Galveston, and Vanderbilt University were studied. To determine risk factors associated with CMV (particularly sexual activity) a comprehensive questionnaire was administered.
Results: The seroprevalence of CMV was 52.2%. Both sexual activity and children in the home were statistically significant risk factors with an approximate two fold increased risk in CMV antibody. Being of white race had an inverse relationship with CMV.
Conclusion: Identification of CMV negative females is important to develop methods of preventing acquisition of CMV during conception and childbearing years. Adolescent females who have children in the home and are sexually active likely have already been infected with CMV. A larger sample size may indicate additional associated risks.