Haematological profile of cytomegalovirus antibody positive blood donors in Jos, Nigeria.

Abstract

Various kinds of Haematological abnormalities and alterations have been known to occur in a number of viral infections. These alterations define the pathology of the infection, serve as tools for diagnosis, and assist in treatment and prognostication. But much more importantly, such alterations may constitute a hazard andmake an individual unfit for blood donation. Given the high frequency of haematological alterations and complications associated with many viral infections and coupled with the observation that cytomegalovirus antibody positive persons are accepted for routine blood donation in many countries, this paper aims to evaluate the haematological profile of cytomegalovirus antibody positive prospective donors in Jos. This is with a view to recognizing and characterizing any associated abnormal haematological changes. It is also hoped that such data will assist in ascertaining the safety and fitness of seropositive persons for blood donation. Atotal of 200 prospective blood donorswere recruited into the study. Screening forCMVantibodies was done using ELISA kit, manufactured by DIALAB, Austria. ( ). Complete blood count (PCV: Packed cell volume,WBC:White cell count-total and differential counts, and platelet counts) was done on all donors using automated coultermachine. Although the mean PCV value was higher in the CMV positive (38.04) than in the CMV negative donors (37.25), there was no significant statistical difference between the two groups (p>0.05).Among the CMV negative donors the mean Total WBC, Granulocyte, lymphocyte, middle cells (basophils, eosinophils and monocytes), and platelet counts were higher than those of CMV positive donors, but there was also no statistical difference between the two groups (p>0.05). There were no abnormal alterations in the full blood count profile of cytomegalovirus antibody positive prospective blood donors in Jos. Seropositive individuals can safely donate blood, provided there are no other contraindications.

Keywords: Cytomegalovirus, antibody, blood donors