The prevalence of human cytomegalovirus seropositivity among blood donors at the Unit of Blood Transfusion Medicine, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a species-specific DNA virus of the Herpetoviridae family. After a primary infection, HCMV persists in a latent form most probably in bone marrow progenitor cells or in peripheral blood monocytes. The virus can reactivate to result in shedding of the virus leading to virus dissemination and new infections. Immunocompromized patients are the ones most vulnerable to serious diseases occasionally acquired in blood transfusions. In a human population, HCMV seropositivity increases steadily with age to become approximately 100% in adults. This study was performed to detect seropositivity among regular blood donors in The Hospital of the Universiti Sains Malaysia, in the state of Kelantan. Using an enzyme immunoassay, it was found that 97.6% of blood donors were HCMV-positive. HCMV is highly prevalent and may be endemic in Kelantan. Hence, long-term strategies are required for the reduction of disease dissemination, and to prevent the exposure of immunocompromized patients to the virus.