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. 2006 Sep;40(3):99-104.
doi: 10.4314/gmj.v40i3.55261.

Seroprevalence of cytomegalovirus among some voluntary blood donors at the 37 military hospital, accra, ghana

Aa Adjei  1 , Hb Armah, Eg Narter-Olaga
Affiliations

Seroprevalence of cytomegalovirus among some voluntary blood donors at the 37 military hospital, accra, ghana

Aa Adjei et al. Ghana Med J. 2006 Sep.

Abstract

Summary background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is one of the most significant pathogens infecting immunosuppressed 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 specific for CMV was tested using CMV IgG/IgM particle agglutination test kit and ELISA.

Results: Of the 264 blood donors, 18 were negative and 246 were positive for CMV IgG antibodies, giving an overall CMV prevalence rate of 93.2%. None of the 264 blood donors was positive for CMV IgM antibodies. About 96% of the donors aged between 30 to 39 years were seropositive 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 difference (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 comparisons 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.

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