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Thirty years of CMV seroprevalence-a longitudinal analysis in a German university hospital
Sebastian Hoehl1, Annemarie Berger2, Sandra Ciesek2
1Institute for Medical Virology, University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Paul-Ehrlich-Straße 40, 60496, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. sebastian.hoehl@kgu.de.
Abstract:
Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patient groups at risk. We have previously shown that the anti-CMV IgG seroprevalence in an urban region of Germany has changed over the last decades. Overall, a decline from 63.7 to 57.25% had been observed between 1988-1997 and 1998-2008 (p < 0,001). Here, we continuously follow the trends to the most recent decade 2009 to 2018. In a retrospective analysis, we determined the seroprevalence of CMV IgG antibodies in our patient cohort, stratified by gender and selected groups at risk (e.g., patients with HIV infection; women of childbearing age). The overall prevalence of anti-CMV IgG non-significantly declined further from 57.25% in 1998-2008 to 56.48% in 2009-2018 (p = 0.881). Looking at gender differences, overall CMV seroprevalence in males declined to 52.82% (from 55.54% in 1998-2008; p = 0.0254), while it non-significantly increased in females to 59.80%. The high seroprevalence in patients with a known HIV infection further increased from 87.46% in 1998-2008 to 92.93% in the current period (p = 0.9999). In women of childbearing age, no significant changes over the last three decades could be observed. The CMV seroprevalence in oncological patients was determined to be 60.64%. Overall, the former significant decline of CMV seroprevalence between the decades 1988-1997 and 1998-2008 in this urban region of Germany slowed down to a non-significant decrease of 0.77% (1998-2008 vs. 2009-2018). This might be an indicator that CMV seroprevalence has reached a plateau.
Insights
Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgG seroprevalence in Germany shows a continued, but non-significant, decline. CMV IgG antibody levels appear to be plateauing, with notable gender-specific trends and increased prevalence in HIV-infected patients.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a major cause of illness and death in vulnerable populations.
- Previous studies indicated a declining trend in anti-CMV IgG seroprevalence in an urban German region between 1988-1997 and 1998-2008.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the seroprevalence trends of CMV IgG antibodies up to the most recent decade (2009-2018).
- To investigate seroprevalence changes stratified by gender and specific at-risk groups, including patients with HIV and women of childbearing age.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of CMV IgG antibody seroprevalence in a patient cohort.
- Stratification of data by gender, age (women of childbearing age), and specific risk groups (e.g., HIV-infected patients, oncological patients).
- Statistical comparison of seroprevalence data across different time periods (1988-1997, 1998-2008, 2009-2018).
Main Results:
- Overall CMV IgG seroprevalence slightly decreased from 57.25% (1998-2008) to 56.48% (2009-2018), a non-significant decline (p=0.881).
- A significant decline was observed in males (55.54% to 52.82%, p=0.0254), while prevalence non-significantly increased in females (to 59.80%).
- Seroprevalence in HIV-infected patients increased from 87.46% to 92.93%, and in oncological patients was 60.64%. No significant changes were noted in women of childbearing age.
Conclusions:
- The previously significant decline in CMV IgG seroprevalence in this German urban region has slowed to a non-significant decrease, suggesting a potential plateau.
- Observed gender-specific trends and increasing prevalence in HIV-infected individuals warrant continued monitoring.
- Further research is needed to understand the factors contributing to the stabilization of CMV seroprevalence.
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