Comparison of APOBEC3 C levels in pregnant women infected with hMPV

Abstract

Human pneumococcal virus (hMPV) is a life-threatening respiratory disease with a high risk in pregnancy. Our study aimed at ascertaining the APOBEC3C protein levels and IgM antibody levels in hMPV-positive pregnant women and relating them to obstetric and demographic variables. We tested 250 pregnant women's samples with symptoms of a cold, and 36 of them were found to be positive for the virus infection. We contrasted these women with 36 normal pregnant women. Clinical and laboratory findings were compared based on age, residence, second pregnancy trimester, and history of miscarriage. The findings were higher in both IgM and APOBEC3C in hMPV-infected women than in uninfected women (p < 0.001). High APOBEC3C expression was most prominent in the second trimester and in rural-dwelling women, with significant correlation with a history of miscarriage.

These findings suggest the APOBEC3C gene as a potential biomarker for predicting complicated outcomes of pregnancy following respiratory viral infections. Further studies are recommended to explore the mechanistic role of APOBEC3C in maternal immunity and pregnancy complications.