Seroprevalence of Human Cytomegalovirus Among Voluntary Blood Donors In Chennai

Background: Human Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is one of the most significant pathogens infecting immunosuppressed individuals. CMV is known to be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality following blood transfusion in immunocompromised individuals. The immunosuppressed population for whom CMV free blood products are requested is increasing due to advances in medical care. The most effective way to minimize the risk of CMV transmission in high risk recipients would be to administer CMV free blood products. The study was performed to find out the seroprevalence of Human CMV among voluntary blood donors in Chennai. Materials and methods: A total of 580 voluntary blood donors were tested for IgM and IgG anti-CMV antibodies by ELISA technique and seronegative samples were confirmed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Demographic details and laboratory results were analyzed. Results: Among the 580 donors, 441 (76.03%) were males and 139 (23.97%) were females. It was found that 550 donors were positive for IgG anti-CMV antibody giving an IgG seroprevalence rate of 94.82%. IgM anti-CMV antibody was negative in all the donors. None of the IgG seronegative blood samples were found to contain CMV DNA by PCR. Conclusion: Human CMV is highly prevalent and is a threat to the safety of blood transfusion. Considering the fact that IgM antibody positive donors seldom found, screening for IgM anti-CMV antibody may be practiced only for high risk recipients. Other preventive strategies like leukoreduction or pathogen inactivation can be made available to prevent CMV transmission.