Seroprevalence of Cytomegalovirus Infection among Blood Donors in Atabara Teaching Hospital, Sudan

Background: Transfusion-transmitted cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection remains a significant concern in blood transfusion services, particularly in developing countries where seroprevalence rates are high. Data on CMV seroprevalence among blood donors in Sudan, especially in the Atabara region, are limited. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) IgG antibodies among blood donors attending the Blood Bank Department at Atabara Teaching Hospital, Sudan, and to assess the association between CMV seropositivity and potential risk factors including age, history of previous surgical operation, and history of blood transfusion. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to August 2017 among 100 male blood donors aged 20–60 years attending Atabara Teaching Hospital. Serum samples were collected and tested for CMV IgG antibodies using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Personal and clinical data were collected through direct interviewing using a structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, with Chi-square test used to determine significance (P < 0.05). Results: Out of 100 blood donors tested, 93 (93%) were CMV IgG positive, while 7 (7%) were negative. There was no statistically significant difference in CMV seropositivity between age groups (<30 years and ≥30 years) (P > 0.05). Similarly, no significant association was found between CMV seropositivity and history of previous surgical operation or blood transfusion (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The seroprevalence of CMV IgG among blood donors in Atabara Teaching Hospital was notably high (93%). There was no significant association between CMV seropositivity and age, history of previous surgical operation, or blood transfusion. These findings highlight the need for screening and preventive strategies to minimize the risk of transfusion-transmitted CMV infection in high-risk recipients. Keywords: Cytomegalovirus, CMV IgG, Seroprevalence, Blood donors, ELISA, Sudan, Transfusion-transmitted infection