Risk of transfusion acquired cytomegaly virus infection in neonates subjected to blood and exchange transfusion

ABSTRACT

In this study, polymerase chain reaction was applied on urine and blood samples of 50 neonates subjected to transfusion therapy as well as their mothers to detect CMV-DNA. Testing of neonates was performed before and after exposure to blood components. All donor's blood was retrogradely tested by the same PCR technique. Studied neonates were compared with 30 controls not subjected to transfusion therapy. PCR technique was standardized to avoid any possible contamination. The results showed that 12 neonates were CMV-DNA positive after transfusion in both urine and blood samples. They included five babies proved positive before transfusion. The other seven babies were negative before transfusion and become positive after their exposure to prove positive donor's blood. Eighteen donors were retrogradely found positive for CMV-DNA, as they transmitted infection to seven babies. The rate of transfusion transmitted CMV was therefore 38.8%. Maternal screening detected six CMV- DNA positive mothers with five affected offsprings giving a rate of materno-fetal vertical transmission [congenital, infection] of 83%. It was found that transfusion transmitted CMV infection is a serious problem in the neonatal units. Therefore, CMV screening of blood products or use of leukocyte depleted blood as an alternative method is strongly recommended in the neonatal period