CYTOMEGALOVIRUS INFECTION AMONG PATIENTS WITH BETA-THALASSEMIA MAJOR RECEIVING MULTIPLE BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS IN BASRAH: INSIGHTS FROM SEROLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR TESTING"

Abstract

The potential transmission of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) through transfusions poses a concern, particularly in patients with β-thalassemia major who frequently receive packed red blood cell (pRBC) transfusions. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of CMV infection in transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients and its correlation with molecular findings. A total of 123 children and adolescents were included, comprising 50 healthy individuals and 73 patients with β-thalassemia major undergoing regular transfusions. Blood samples were collected from both groups and subjected to serological (ECLIA) and molecular (real-time PCR) analyses. The study found a 100% prevalence of CMV IgG antibodies in both patients and controls, with no detection of CMV IgM antibodies in any participant. Additionally, most β-thalassemia patients exhibited high CMV IgG avidity indices, indicating past infection, whereas only a small percentage showed lower indices. Conversely, all control individuals demonstrated high IgG avidity indices. Notably, viral DNA was not detected in the peripheral blood of any study participant