Cytomegalovirus in Blood Donors: IgG Detection by ELISA Technique in Analamanga Transfusion Center, Antananarivo

Introduction: Blood transfusion is one of the routes of transmission of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, which puts immunocompromised subjects at risk. To ensure the blood transfusion safety, this study aims to determine the CMV seroprevalence in blood donors seen at the CRTS Analamanga.  Method: A 3-month prospective descriptive and analytical study was conducted from June to August 2021. Medically selected, consenting candidates were included. Anti-CMV IgG antibodies were screened by ELISA using the Fortress Diagnostics® CMV IgG kit. IgG avidity detection was not performed. HIV, hepatitis B and C and syphilis infections were assessed in parallel.  Results: A further 2,131 donors were included in the present study. Mean age was 33.7 years, with M/F sex ratio of 2.7. Family- replacement donors were in the predominant proportion (85.4%). CMV infection prevalence was 92.4%, mainly in the 20- 29 (92.7%) and 30-39 (93.9%) age groups, with statistical significance correlating with age (p=0.17). CMV and hepatitis B virus coinfections were detected in 73 donors (3.7%).  Conclusion: IgG anti-CMV antibodies remain high in Malagasy blood donors. These findings suggest the need to introduce its systematic screening or leukoreduction procedures for blood products in Malagasy transfusion centers.