Awareness of Cytomegalovirus Infection among a Population of Nigerian Kidney Transplant Recipients

Abstract

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most important infection in kidney transplant recipients and has significant impact on long term recipient and graft survival. Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the level of awareness of CMV infection among a population of kidney transplant recipients in Lagos, Nigeria. Subjects and Methods: The assessment of the level of awareness of CMV infection among kidney transplant recipients attending post-transplant follow-up clinics in Lagos, Nigeria was done by means of a structured pre-tested self-administered questionnaire from October 2004 to July 2005. Results: A total of 40 kidney transplant recipients were studied. Thirty-two recipients were males and eight were females with M:F ratio of 4:1. The mean age of the recipients was 39 ± 11.6 years old. The recipients’ post-transplant duration ranged from 2 to 80 months (Mean 17.6 ± 18.6 months). Only four (10%) of kidney transplant recipients studied had ever heard of CMV infection and only one recipient (2.5%) was aware that CMV infection could affect a transplanted kidney, and that CMV infection could be transmitted from the donor kidney graft to the recipient. One recipient (2.5%) was aware that blood transfusion could be a mode of transmission of CMV infection. None of the recipients was aware that CMV infection could be sexually transmitted. All the four recipients who were aware of CMV infection obtained the information from their doctors. Conclusion: Despite its significant impact on kidney transplant recipient and graft survival, the level of awareness of CMV infection and its relevance to kidney transplantation was very low among kidney transplant recipients. Transplant units in the study environment should include information and education about CMV infection and its impact on the transplant recipient and graft survival in their counseling programme for transplant recipients.