Seroprevalence of Varicella-Zoster in the first trimester of pregnancy

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) in pregnant women who applied to our hospital for pregnancy follow-up. Material and Methods: The results of blood samples sent to Şişli Memorial hospital’s microbiology laboratory with VZV IgG and VZV IgM requests from pregnant women who applied to Şişli Memorial Hospital for pregnancy follow-up between January 1, 2012, and December 30, 2019, were examined. VZV IgG test in blood samples was studied by Vidas system, VZV IgM test by the ELISA method. For VZV IgG 0.9 positive; For VZV IgM 10 values were considered positive. Results: Four hundred and eighty-eight pregnant women who met the study criteria were included in the study. The median age of the pregnant women participating in the study was 31 years (19–45). The median gestational age at which blood was collected for VZV IgG and VZV IgM measurements was 7 weeks (5–9). VZV IgG positivity was found in 265 (54.3%) and VZV IgG negativity in 223 (35.7%). VZV IgM positivity was not detected in the samples taken. Conclusion: VZV IgG sensitivity was found 54.3% in the screened group. Although VZV screening is not recommended in routine pregnancy follow-up; VZV screening in first-trimester pregnancy examination will provide more accurate counseling during pregnancy. Again, there will be an opportunity to vaccinate sensitive pregnant women after pregnancy