The screening for cytomegalovirus antibody in semen donors and recipients within a donor insemination programme
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J R Prior1, D R Morroll, A G Birks
1Manchester Fertility Services, Manchester BUPA Hospital, UK.
Insights
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) immunoglobulin G antibodies were detected in 16% of Caucasian and 80% of non-Caucasian semen donors. Among recipients, 38% of Caucasian and 94% of non-Caucasian women tested positive for CMV.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that can be transmitted through bodily fluids.
- Screening for CMV in semen donors and recipients is important for preventing transmission in assisted reproductive technologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to CMV in semen donors and women undergoing donor insemination.
- To investigate potential associations between CMV seropositivity and demographic factors like ethnicity and age.
Main Methods:
- Semen donors (n=67) and women receiving donor insemination (n=131) were tested for CMV IgG antibodies.
- Participants were categorized by ethnicity (Caucasian and non-Caucasian) and age.
Main Results:
- CMV IgG antibodies were found in 16% of Caucasian donors and 80% of non-Caucasian donors.
- Among recipients, 38% of Caucasian women and 94% of non-Caucasian women tested positive for CMV IgG.
- A significant association was observed between CMV seropositivity and age in Caucasian recipients.
Conclusions:
- Non-Caucasian individuals exhibited a higher prevalence of CMV IgG antibodies in both donor and recipient groups.
- Age is a significant factor associated with CMV seropositivity in Caucasian women receiving donor insemination.
- These findings highlight the importance of CMV screening in donor insemination programs, considering ethnic and age-related differences.
Abstract:
A total of 67 semen donors (62 Caucasian and five non-Caucasian) were tested for the presence of immunoglobulin G antibodies to cytomegalovirus (CMV). Ten (16%) of the Caucasian donors tested positive for CMV, while four (80%) of the non-Caucasian donors were positive. A total of 131 women receiving donor insemination (114 Caucasian and 17 non-Caucasian) were tested. Of these, 43 (38%) of the Caucasian recipients tested positive for CMV, while 16 (94%) of the non-Caucasian recipients were positive. There was a significant association between the incidence of positive tests and the age of the Caucasian recipients.
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