Seroprevalence of cytomegalovirus among some voluntary blood donors at the 37 military Hospital, Accra, Ghana

Abstract

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is one of the most significant pathogens infecting immuno-suppressed individuals. CMV is transmissible through transfusion of blood components. Aim: The goal of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of antibodies to CMV among blood donors seen at the 37 Military Hospital Blood Transfusion Unit, (MHBTU) Accra, Ghana. Methods: The seroprevalence of antibodies spe-cific for CMV was tested using CMV IgG/IgM particle agglutination test kit and ELISA. Results: Of the 264 blood donors, 18 were nega-tive and 246 were positive for CMV IgG antibod-ies, giving an overall CMV prevalence rate of 93.2%. None of the 264 blood donors was posi-tive for CMV IgM antibodies. About 96% of the donors aged between 30 to 39 years were seroposi-tive for CMV, as against 91.9% in those aged 20-29 years, 88.6% in 40 to 49 years, 75.0% (3 out of 4) in 50 to 59 years, and 100% (1 out 1) in 60-69 years. There was no statistically significant differ-ence (P>0.05) in the CMV IgG status in different age groups. The blood donors comprised largely of male donors (236 out of 264), making sex com-parisons statistically undesirable. However, all the female (n=28) donors were positive for CMV IgG. Conclusion: Since about 93% of blood donors at the MHBTU are seropositive for CMV, it would be very useful to screen blood donors in Ghana for CMV to identify the very few CMV-seronegative blood donors, and maintain an inventory of them for use as donors