Molecular Detection of Cytomegalovirus Reactivation: Viral Load Distribution Across Several Factors

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) viremia is a critical concern and known by the presence of the virus DNA in the blood, which poses sever risks and develops many complications in immuno-compromised patients. When CMV is untreated, it can cause pneumonitis, colitis, hepatitis, and encephalitis. Current diagnosis relies on molecular methods with qPCR as the preferred method.

The study included 1,050 participants from Taif city, with only detected cases analyzed. Age groups were categorized as 2 - 8, 27 - 49, 50 - 75, and > 75 years. Blood samples (5 mL) were collected from patients at armed forces hospitals from January 2023 to March 2024. Viral DNA detection used COBAS 5800, and statistical analysis applied the chi-squared test.

This study analyzed 1,050 samples, 21.7% detected cases equal to 228 patients. Variation and significant results were detected in the adult age group 27 - 49, mainly from the kidney transplant ward. Low viral load was found to be the highest and primarily among kidney transplantation and family medicine wards. Neonatal ICU has several cases of moderate CMV viral load. Males were more affected than females by CMV reactivation.

Our results highlight the prevalence and distribution of CMV by age group and hospital ward setting, and they are consistent with the literature. Controlling CMV is critically important. In immunocompromised patients the reactivation can cause morbidity, and effective CMV management is necessary. Neonates are highly susceptible to growth failure, neurodevelopmental impairment, sensorineural hearing loss, and vision deficits if CMV is untreated. In transplant recipients, uncontrolled CMV replication may induce graft rejection, disseminated inflammation, and opportunistic infections. Molecular diagnostics enable early detection and appropriate antiviral treatment.