Cytomegalovirus infections in hemodialysis centers

This study of 983 patients and 238 staff members of hemodialysis units shows that prevalence of complement fixing antibodies to cytomegalovirus (CMV) is higher in patients than in staff, it is higher in females than in males and increases with age. CMV antibody was more prevalent in black than white staff members but did not vary with socio-economic status or length of time on hemodialysis. Cytomegalovirus antibody response seems normal in patients with antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen and in patients negative for both hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody, but is poor in hepatitis B surface antigen carriers. This may be due to immunological deficiencies in the latter patients.