Detection of human cytomegalovirus and evaluation of physiological parameters among patients with type 2 diabetic

Background. Prolonged human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection leads to a pro-inflammatory environment, promoting chronic inflammatory disorders. Inflammation is a key factor in the development of diabetes and its complications. Aim. This study detects the HCMV UL57 gene by real-time PCR and assesses the levels of anti-CMV IgG and IgM in serum from individuals in Iraq diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus, while evaluating markers like sex, BMI, complete blood count, serum creatinine, blood urea, and lipid profile (cholesterol and triglyceride levels). Methods. Serum samples from 200 type 2 diabetes patients and a control group of 100 non-diabetic individuals were tested for HCMV antibodies using real-time PCR and ELISA. Parameters assessed included BMI, complete blood count, lipid profile (cholesterol, triglycerides), serum creatinine, and blood urea. Results. A highly significant difference was found in the detection of the HCMV UL57 gene by real-time PCR between diabetic patients and non-diabetic individuals. Significant differences were found in anti-HCMV IgG and IgM antibody levels between the groups. No significant differences in anti-HCMV IgM levels were observed with BMI, complete blood count, cholesterol, triglycerides, serum creatinine, or blood urea. Conclusion. Among serological findings, 99% of patients and 94% of controls tested positive for HCMV IgG. No correlations were found between HCMV IgM positivity and lipid profile, renal function, BMI, or hematologic indices. PCR is a valuable diagnostic tool for HCMV.