Seroprevalence of Cytomegalovirus among blood donors and antenatal women attending two hospitals in Khartoum State

ABSTRACT

Cytomeglovirus [CMV] is a common viral infection globally. Although most infections are subclinical; infection during pregnancy may be associated with serious outcome such as abortion, stillbirth and congenitally malformed child. During the period from June to July 2003, 250 subjects [150 blood donors and 100 women presenting to Khartoum Teaching Hospital's and Omdurman Maternity Hospital respectively] had their blood tested for IgG antibodies against Cytomegalovirus using ELISA test. Of these 84% were found to harbor Cytomegalovirus antibodies. The seroprevalence of the virus was higher in the antenatal women [95%] compared to the blood donors [77%]. The study revealed insignificant association between infection with the virus and both history of previous surgical operation and blood transfusion [p > 0.05]. CMV infection was found to be associated with increased risk of abortion in women under study