Cytomegalovirus and blood transfusion

The problem of transfusion-transmitted cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection differs from that for other transfusion-transmitted infections in that only patients who are immunocompromised require CMV-free blood or components. The virus is cell-associated and transmission appears to be due to reactivation of latent virus in white blood cells. As a herpes virus, CMV can be responsible for primary infections, reactivations or reinfections in humans. The use of restriction endonuclease techniques is sometimes necessary to pinpoint the origin of infections. Serological studies have shown that CMV infection is worldwide, but seropositivity rates vary widely being highest in underdeveloped countries, rising both with age and lower socio-economic status. Provision of CMV seronegative blood therefore involves considerable administrative as well as laboratory effort and planning, especially if panels of previously tested, seronegative donors are organized. Serious complications of transfusion-transmitted CMV infection (which can occasionally prove fatal) are only seen with immuno-suppressed patients (commonly low birth weight infants or transplant recipients). Prevention or amelioration of CMV infection with appropriate patients can be attempted by reducing the number of white blood cells present in blood or components by filtration or washing, administration of CMV immune globulin or provision of blood found by serological screening to be CMV-seronegative.