Occupational risk of human Cytomegalovirus and Parvovirus B19 infection in female day care personnel in the Netherlands; a study based on seroprevalence

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Parvovirus B19 infections acquired during pregnancy may result in developmental disabilities of the foetus. This study evaluates the occupational risk of these infections in female day care personnel. IgG seroprevalence was determined in 310 Dutch day care workers and 158 nursing school students. CMV seroprevalence was age-related, starting at 21% in those <20 years and reaching 65% in those >35 years. Between the ages of 20 and 24 years the CMV prevalence was higher in day care personnel than in controls, 50% versus 31% (p = 0.03). In the first 2 years of employment the risk of attracting CMV was significantly increased (OR_adj = 3.80; p < 0.001) and the occupational risk was also increased (OR_adj 2.19; p < 0.001). Parvovirus seropositivity (71–77%) was not related to age or working at a day care centre. In conclusion, an occupational risk was observed for CMV, but not for Parvovirus infection in female day care personnel.