The Value Of Clinical Parameters In Cytomegalovirus Infection Among Antibody Sero- Positive Blood Donors In A Nigerian Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Background:Cytomegalovirus (CMV), otherwise called human herpes virus type 5 is a systemic and infectious disease that can present with diverse clinical manifestations. Some of these manifestations do have diagnostic significance. The aim of the study was to highlight the clinical parameters CMV antibody seropositive blood donors present with and their diagnostic significance.Methods:Detailed history and thorough physical examination were carried out on 184 CMV antibody seropositive prospective blood donors at the blood bank of the Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, with a view to eliciting symptoms and signs that would normally indicate the presence of an infectious and systemic disease. Thermometer was used to determine the temperature level of each blood donor.Results:One hundred and sixty five donors (90%) were asymptomatic, while 5% had fever measuring 38.3C. Five seropositive donors (2.7%) presented with sore throat, while 4 donors (2.2%) had fatigue. Only one donor (0.5%) had a history of previous blood transfusion. One hundred and seventy two donors (94%) had no demonstrable physical signs. Pallor was found in 5.4% of donors. There was no evidence of significant lymphadenopathy or hepatosplenomegaly in any of the donors.Conclusion:The study shows that clinical manifestations in CMV seropositive blood donors are non specific and are therefore not of any diagnostic significance. Most seropositive persons are asymptomatic.