Prevalence of Anti-CMV Antibodies in Blood Donors in Mashhad, Iran

Prevalence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection varies is highly prevalent in different societies. CMV infection in susceptible patients is associated with serious morbidity and a high mortality and is a matter of concern for blood bank professionals and blood transfusion recipients، especially in cases of transfusions to neonates and immunocompromised patients. Thus، the present study aimed to determine the prevalence rate of anti-CMV antibodies among the blood donors of Mashhad Blood Transfusion Center.

This seroepidemiology study carried out on 1008 samples from blood donors in Mashhad Blood Transfusion Center and the prevalence rate of anti-CMV antibodies (IgM، IgG) was estimated by ELISA method in the samples

Out Of 1008 serum samples from donors، 1000 persons (99. 2%) had anti-CMV IgG and 16 donors (1. 6%) had anti-CMV IgM in their sera. Eight (8) persons had no anti-CMV IgG and IgM in their sera.

The high rate of prevalence of CMV in this study region indicating blood component screening strategies for blood transfusions require particular attention among healthcare professionals as part of the actions for prevention and reduction of primary infections caused by CMV.