ASSOCIATION OF CYTOMEGALOVIRUS SEROPREVALENCE AND BLOOD TRANSFUSION AMONG PATIENTS UNDERGOING CHRONIC HEMODIALYSIS

Introduction Cytomegalovirus (CMV) belongs to the Herpes family of viruses is ubiquitous and endemic in most parts of the world. Infections caused by CMV viruses are common and generally asymptomatic. It infects around 50 ? 90% of the adults, depending on the socioeconom ic factors and other risk factors. CMV infection is a major concern in patients undergoing kidney transplantation, where repeated blood transfusion is an established risk factor for transmission. Methods This retrospective study analysed the data of 99 chronic kidney disease patients undergoing regular hemodialysis. We collected data such as basic demography, hemodialysis vintage, iron and erythropoietin - stimulating agent (ESA) therapies for anemia, and tr ansfusion history and frequency for analysis. Blood analyses for the presence of CMV - specific immunoglobulin IgG and IgM were performed to study determine seroprevalence of CMV infection in hemodialysis population and investigate the association of CMV inf ection with history and frequency of blood transfusion; which is non - leucodepleted. Results Around 75% and 69% of the population were seropositive for CMV IgM and CMV IgG, respectively. There was a non - statistically significant association with history of blood transfusion; however, frequent blood transfusions showed a statistical significant association. Conclusion CMV infection is highly prevalent in chronic hemodialysis population. Repeated blood transfusion can be a major risk factor for viral transmis sion. However, other possible routes of infection should be investigated as many patients reported no history of blood transfusion. Optimizing medical treatment for anemia and implementation of strategies to limit blood transfusion is recommended. If blood transfusion is mandated, leucodepleted blood is favoured to reduce risk of CMV infection.