Amini Kafi-abad S * ¹ (MD), Ranjbar Kermani F¹ (MSc), Ferdowsian F¹ (MSc), Sobhani M¹ (MSc), Samie Sh¹ (MSc)

 ¹Research Center of Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization, Tehran, Iran 

  Received: 19 Aug 2009, Accepted: 7 Nov 2009

  Abstract

Introduction: CMV is one of the most significant blood born pathogens that can cause serious morbidity and mortality in low birth weight newborns, immunocompromised patients and transplant recipients. Both serologic screening and leukoreduction of blood components reduces the incidence of infection in recipients but cases of transfusion-transmitted CMV infection still occur. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of CMV DNA in Iranian blood donors.

Methods: 450 blood donor samples were tested for the presence of CMV DNA by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay. The sensitivity of CMV DNA PCR was estimated 1000 copies/ml and it was specific for CMV. All of CMV DNA positive samples were evaluated for CMV-IgM and CMV-IgG.

Results: 5 (1/1%) out of 450 samples were positive for CMV DNA. 390 (87%) out of 450 donors were male, and 272 (60%) were repeat donor. All of 5 samples were positive for CMV-IgG and they were negative for CMV-IgM.

Conclusion: Further studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of molecular testing for prevention of CMV transmission to recipients. The most important elements contributing in the decision whether to implement CMV DNA screening or not, are the sensitivity of assay that is sufficient for detection of CMV in blood components and minimum viral load that is needed for transmission of CMV in recipients.

Key words: Cytomegalovirus, Blood Donors, Polymerase Chain Reaction

Hakim Research Journal 2009 12(3): 61- 67.

  * Corresponding Author: Research Center of Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization, Hemmat Highway, Tehran 1449613111, Iran. Telefax: +98- 21- 88601559, Email: dr.amini@gmail.com, s-amini@cc.sbu.ac.ir