Prevalence Of Cytomegalovirus Infection Research Articles

Prevalence of Cytomegalovirus infection among pregnant women with cord blood examination

Objective: This study aimed at determining the prevalence of CMV infection among pregnant women at the end of pregnancy and CMV transmission to their newborns.
 Methods: This is cross sectional study, 213 pregnant women at delivery and their newborn babies from the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital in Duhok /Iraq were enrolled. A questionnaire was prepared to be answered by participants, including age, place of residence, educational level, and obstetric history as number of births, any bad obstetric history such as abortion, still birth, intrauterine growth retardation, congenital anomalies after birth.3-5 ml of blood was drawn from each woman and examined by ELISA kit to check for the presence of Anti CMV IgM, IgG, then IgG avidity test for those with positive (IgG and IgM). Samples of cord blood were collected from newborns after birth and checked for the presence of CMV IgM by ELISA and CMV –DNA by conventional PCR using specific primers to diagnose congenital infection and determine the rate of viral transmission from infected women.
 Results: Serological examinations showed that 212 (99.5%) participants were CMV-IgG positive, 15 (7%) were positive for anti-CMV IgM and IgG antibodies, IgG avidity test for 15 women were of high avidity (>89%) which indicated non primary infections. Cord blood of newborns of those 15 women with positive IgG and IgM tested negative for Anti CMV IgM by ELISA and no CMV-DNA was detected by PCR, which revealed no transmission from those pregnant to their newborns.
 Conclusion: This study demonstrated high prevalence of CMV among examined pregnant women in Duhok city which makes them prone to non-primary infection. IgG avidity test is of high efficacy to interpret the detection of IgG and IgM together in pregnant women. Cord blood examination for the existence of CMV-IgM and CMV-DNA after delivery could exclude congenital infection.

Cytomegalovirus Infection Is Associated With Adverse Outcomes Among Hospitalized Pediatric Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at increased risk of developing cytomegalovirus (CMV) colitis, which is associated with adverse outcomes. Similar studies in pediatric IBD patients are lacking. We analyzed non-overlapping years of National Inpatient Sample (NIS) and Kids Inpatient Database (KID) between 2003 and 2016. We included all patients < 21 years with a diagnosis of Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC). Patients with coexisting CMV infection during that admission were compared with patients without CMV infection for outcome measures such as in-hospital mortality, disease severity, and healthcare resource utilization. We analyzed a total of 254,839 IBD-related hospitalizations. The overall prevalence rate of CMV infection was 0.3% with an overall increasing prevalence trend, P < 0.001. Approximately two-thirds of patients with CMV infection had UC, which was associated with almost 3.6 times increased risk of CMV infection (confidence interval (CI): 3.11 to 4.31, P < 0.001). IBD patients with CMV had more comorbid conditions. CMV infection was significantly associated with increased odds of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio (OR): 3.58; CI: 1.85 to 6.93, P < 0.001) and severe IBD (OR: 3.31; CI: 2.54 to 4.32, P < 0.001). CMV-related IBD hospitalizations had increased length of stay by 9 days while incurring almost $65,000 higher hospitalization charges, P < 0.001. The prevalence of CMV infection is increasing in pediatric IBD patients. CMV infections significantly corelated with increased risk of mortality and severity of IBD leading to prolonged hospital stay and higher hospitalization charges. Further prospective studies are needed to better understand the factors leading to this increasing CMV infection.

Prevalence of cytomegalovirus infections in blood donors and the newborn versus utility of leukocyte-reduced blood transfusion in the premature newborn: An observation from Eastern India

Prevalence of cytomegalovirus infections in blood donors and the newborn versus utility of leukocyte-reduced blood transfusion in the premature newborn: An observation from Eastern India

Prevalence of cytomegalovirus infection among Egyptian patients with fever of unknown origin

Prevalence of cytomegalovirus infection among Egyptian patients with fever of unknown origin

Prevalence of Cytomegalovirus Infection among Suspected Infants in Baghdad

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) virus is a recognized important cause of congenital CMV infection which carries a significant risk for symptomatic disease and developmental defects in newborns. Its prevalence varies from place to other and time to time. This study is conducted to estimate its prevalence in Baghdad among infants suspected of having a congenital infection and to study the associated findings. Subjects and Methods: The study was carried out in Al-Alwyia pediatrics teaching hospital. Data were collected, and blood samples were taken for infants suspected to have intrauterine infections over a period of one year, from 1 October 2019 to 1 October 2020. Immunoglobulin M (IgM) tests for CMV were conducted for all collected samples. CMV- immunoglobulin G (IgG) was a further analysis if negative results were obtained for CMV-IgM testing. Samples were tested by Eliza method. Results: The overall positivity for CMV-specific antibodies among suspected infants was 16.7% for IgM and 66 % for IgG. Males constitute 55% of CMV-IgM positive results. These results are statistically significant concerning age groups. 1-3-month age group was the largest (40 % of IgM positive infants) with a p-value of 0.000. This indicates delayed presentation of CMV-affected infants. With the same p-value, 74% of infants less than one month of age were IgG positive reflecting the maternal prevalence of CMV- IgG in an equivalent percentage. Convulsion followed by delayed milestones was the most common presenting symptoms in congenital CMV infection with statistically significant associations. Conclusions: The study indicates that infection with CMV constitutes a significant portion of suspected infants. The study recommends special attention to take steps concerning early management.

STORCH Infections Among Very Low Birth Weight and Preterm Infants: 2018-2020.

Syphilis, toxoplasmosis, other infections (varicella zoster virus, parvovirus B19), rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex virus (STORCH) infections may result in neonatal disease and neurologic sequalae.1 Population-based prevalence rates of STORCH infections among very low birth weight (VLBW) and/or preterm infants in the United States are lacking.Vermont Oxford Network (VON) is a voluntary worldwide community of practice. VON members submitted standardized data on live-born infants 401 to 1500 g or 22 to 29 completed weeks’ gestational age who were inborn or transferred to the reporting hospital within 28 days of birth from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2020.2 Infant data were collected during the initial birth hospitalization. Transferred infants were tracked to determine their ultimate disposition and length of stay. The Institutional Review Board at The University of Vermont determined that use of the VON database for this study was not human subjects research.A STORCH infection was defined as acquired in utero or during birth from a list that included toxoplasmosis, rubella, syphilis, cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex, parvovirus B19, Zika, and varicella zoster. Maternal race and ethnicity were determined by personal interview with the mother or review of the birth certificate or medical record, in that order of preference.2 Congenital anomalies included an anomaly on a specific list or, if not on the list, an anomaly that was the primary cause of death or required surgical or medical therapy before discharge.2 Small for gestational age (SGA) was defined as birth weight <10th percentile, and microcephaly was defined as a head circumference less than the third percentile for gestational age and sex.3 Isolated microcephaly was defined as microcephaly without SGA. Statistical analyses were performed by using SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute, Inc, Cary, NC).Data were reported by 777 hospitals in the United States. Overall, 944 of 128 141, or 7.37 per 1000 VLBW and/or preterm infants were diagnosed with STORCH infections. CMV (3.37 per 1000), syphilis (2.01 per 1000), and herpes simplex (1.82 per 1000) were the infections reported most frequently (Table 1). Eleven infants had >1 infection.Infants with CMV had the lowest birth weights and were nearly twice as likely to be SGA or microcephalic as infants without infections, although infants with CMV were least likely to have isolated microcephaly (Table 2). Survivors with CMV also had the longest lengths of stay. Only 70.5% of mothers of infants diagnosed with syphilis received any prenatal care, compared with 96.1% of mothers of infants without infections.Infants with STORCH infections had similar rates of survival (86.3%) as infants without STORCH infections (87.4%).Prevalence of STORCH infections was 7.37 per 1000 among VLBW and/or preterm infants. In a population of VLBW and/or preterm infants in California from 2005 to 2016, prevalence of CMV infection was 2.7 per 1000,4 lower than that in the current study.In this cohort, a large proportion of infants with CMV were SGA or microcephalic. In a study using health care data from 2000 to 2015 in the United States, congenital CMV diagnosis was associated with a sevenfold increased birth prevalence of microcephaly.5 A report from a single center found the yield of routinely testing infants who were SGA for STORCH infections was extremely low.6 A survey of neonatologists found that the most frequent reasons for pursuing STORCH testing were pathologic findings of physical and ophthalmologic examinations, such as microcephaly.7In 2019, the VON VLBW database included >90% of US live births, making this study nearly population-based and the largest report of STORCH infections among VLBW and/or preterm infants. VON does not have population-based data on moderate preterm, late preterm, or term populations. We do not know whether NICUs performed universal screening for STORCH infections or routine testing based on clinical criteria, such as SGA or microcephaly, so we have underestimated the true prevalence. We do not know what tests were used to diagnose STORCH infections. Understanding testing practices may be important to assess differences in ascertainment and to develop strategies to increase identification of STORCH infections. STORCH infection tests may not be covered by health insurance; therefore, identifying high-risk populations in which testing is cost-effective is an important public health issue. These data may be useful to monitor trends and identify health disparities in STORCH infections among infants in the United States.We thank our colleagues who submit data to VON on behalf of infants and their families. The centers contributing data to this study are listed in Supplemental Table 3.

Detection of Cytomegalovirus Infection in Infants with Biliary Atresia: A Meta-analysis.

Objectives Biliary atresia (BA) is the most common indication of liver transplantation in children. Several reports attributed BA to both prenatal and perinatal etiologies, including a viral infection-induced autoimmune response that targets the bile ducts. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) remains the most common virus being linked to BA. This meta-analysis aimed to estimate to what extent CMV infection is detected in patients with BA. Methods This study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The databases of MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, WHO-Virtual Health Library (VHL), ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were used for the systematic search. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. Random effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence estimate with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software version 3.3. Results A total of 19 studies that fulfilled the eligibility criteria were included in the meta-analysis. The total number of infants with BA was 630 patients, and the pooled overall prevalence of CMV infection among them was 25.4% (95% CI: 15.9%–38.0%). There was high heterogeneity among studies (I 2 = 85.1%, p < .001), and subgroup analyses showed significant regional differences (X 2 = 48.9, p <.001). Data on the prognosis of CMV-associated BA were scarce and obtainable from few studies that suggested an association between detection of CMV infection and poor prognosis of BA. Conclusions The limited available data demonstrates that the rate of detection of CMV infection is high in infants with BA. There is still a need for large studies with appropriate controls for obtaining more reliable results about the various aspects of the association between CMV infection and BA.

388 Detection of Cytomegalovirus Infection in Infants with Biliary Atresia: A Meta-analysis

Abstract Introduction Biliary atresia (BA) is the most common indication of liver transplantation in children. Several reports attributed BA to both prenatal and perinatal aetiologies, including a viral infection-induced auto-immune response that targets the bile ducts. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) remains the most common virus being linked to BA. This meta-analysis estimates to what extent CMV infection is detected in patients with BA. Method This study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The databases of MEDLINE/PubMed, WHO-Virtual Health Library (VHL), ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were used for the systematic search. Random effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence estimate with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) using StatsDirect statistical software. Results A total of 13 studies (covering 419 patients) that fulfilled the eligibility criteria were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled overall prevalence of CMV infection in patients with BA was 24.5% (95% CI 11.9 %– 33.9%). Conclusions The available data demonstrate that the detection of CMV infection is common in infants with BA. There is still a need for large studies with appropriate controls to examine various aspects of the association between CMV infection and BA.

PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF CYTOMEGALOVIRUS INFECTION AMONG HAEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS IN SOUTHERN GAZA STRIP, PALESTINE

Introduction: End-Stage Renal Disease patients (ESRD) on maintenance Haemodialysis (HD) are at high risk of acquiring Cytomegalovirus (CMV). The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of CMV infection among HD patients from Nasser's medical complex and Abu Yousef Al Najjar Hospital Southern Gaza strip. Methods: This study was an analytical cross-sectional from March to September 2019. Serum samples were taken from 96 patients (51.1% of them from Nasser medical complex and 48.9% of them from Abu Yousef Al Najjar Hospital), analyzed for CMV-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) by using the Chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) techniques, questionnaire, and Virological identification. Results: CMV-IgG was detected in 80 patients (83.3%), were 16 patients (16.7%) were CMV IgG Negative. The prominent risk factors were HD duration time, Receiving Injection, and previous blood transfusion. Conclusion: The prevalence of CMV infection among HD patients in the Southern Gaza strip was very high. We recommend that HD patients should be vaccinated against CMV.

Cytomegalovirus infection and kidney transplantation- A retrospective study of risk factors and long-term clinical outcome

Aim: The aim was to study the clinical characteristics of postrenal transplant cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and analyze its risk factors and its impact on graft and patient survival. Materials and Methods: We reviewed medical records of 739 renal transplant patients over 17 years (2002–2018). The demographic characteristics of patients were collected and compared with and without CMV infection. Multiple logistic regression analysis was done to identify risk factors for posttransplant CMV infection. Kaplan–Meier survival curve analysis was performed to analyze graft and patient survival by CMV infection. Results: The prevalence of CMV infection in our center was 12.4%. The most common presentation of CMV infection posttransplant is CMV syndrome. The use of antirejection therapy (hazard ratio [HR] 4.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.6–6.9, P = 0.00), and new-onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) (HR 5.95, 95% CI 3.4–10, P = 0.00) was independently associated with postrenal transplant CMV infection. In Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, death-censored graft survival was significantly superior in patients without CMV infection/disease (CMV group: 55.4% vs. non-CMV group: 70.6% at 140 months P = 0.046). Patient survival was also significantly superior in patients without CMV infection (CMV group :59.8% vs. non-CMV group: 75.9% at 140 months P = 0.016). Conclusions: The use of antirejection therapy and NODAT are strong risk factors for developing CMV infection. Posttransplant CMV infection has a significant negative impact on graft and patient survival.

The prevalence of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection among infants in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia

Background: The seroprevalence of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in Malaysia ranges from 71.6 to 92%. The data on seroprevalence of CMV in Malaysia was scarce, particularly among infants in view of the limitation of the diagnostic methods available. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of symptomatic CMV infection and its clinical demographics among infants in Hospital USM. Methods and materials: This is a hospital-based prospective cohort study conducted from 1st January until 31st December 2018. Infants serum for CMV IgM and IgG detection and plasma for CMV PCR (viral load monitoring) were collected for detection of CMV infection Maternal serum sample was also requested for serological study. Second serum sample was later requested from the symptomatic infants in between 2 and 4 weeks’ time. Acute infection among infants was defined as evidence of seroconversion of paired sera or positive CMV DNA from blood, urine or saliva. Those infants that were not fulfilling the criteria were regarded as possible passive immunity from the mother or inconclusive if no second sample sent. Results: The prevalence of acute symptomatic CMV infection among infants in Hospital USM was 20.9% (n = 41/196). There was a significant difference in the median age (in days) (p = < 0.01) between acute and non-acute (passive immunity and inconclusive) CMV infection. There were significant association (p < 0.05) for CMV hepatitis, presumed sepsis, rash and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) between acute or non-acute CMV infection in infants. Infants with CMV hepatitis were at 8.27 higher odds of being in acute CMV group. Infants without presumed sepsis were at 0.43 higher odds of correctly classified into acute or non-acute CMV infection). Infants presented with rash were at 4.97 higher odds of getting acute CMV infection. Infants with acute CMV infection were at 0.385 higher odds of getting SNHL. Conclusion: The prevalence of CMV infection among infants in Hospital USM was moderately low. CMV hepatitis, presumed sepsis, the presence of rash and SNHL was associated with acute CMV infection in infants.

2655. A Prospective Study of Cytomegalovirus Infection in Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients with Intense Immunosuppressive Therapy: Epidemiology, Associated Risk Factors, Pathogenesis, and Clinical Outcomes

BackgroundSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with intense immunosuppressive therapy (IT) are at higher risk for cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation and may develop the end-organ disease. However, the real epidemiology, associated risk factors, pathogenesis, and clinical outcomes have not been fully elucidated.ObjectivesTo investigate the associated risk factors, possible predictors in the aspect of immunology of CMV infection and to study epidemiology, and clinical outcomes prospectively in active SLE patients within 3 months after intense IT.MethodsA prospective cohort study of active SLE patients required intense IT from November 2017 to March 2019 was conducted. We collected patients’ demographics, potential risk factors, onset and presentations of CMV infection after intense IT, data on IT, cytokine panels, and flow cytometry at weeks 0, 2, 4, 8, and 12 after enrollment. Intense IT was defined as an induction therapy of active SLE disease with either the National Institute of Health or Euro-Lupus Nephritis Trial protocol regimens.ResultsA total of 24 patients have enrolled with a median age of 32 years old and 22/24 patients were female. Renal involvement was the most common and found in 79.2% of the patients. Median SLE disease activity index at enrollment was 14 (25%-75% interquartile range (IQR) = 8–19). At week 0, no CMV infection was documented, 91.7% of the patients had positive CMV IgG, and the median absolute lymphocyte count was 938 cells/mm3. At week 12, the median cumulative corticosteroid dose was 0.74 mg/kg/day (25%-75%IQR = 0.34–1.20) and the prevalence of CMV infection was 12.5%. Elevated interleukin-23 and tumor necrotic factor-α levels were associated with protective effect (hazard ratio (HR) 0.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.02–0.58, p = 0.009 and HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.31–0.99, p = 0.049, respectively). Neurologic involvement was the independent factor that increased the risk of CMV infection (HR 0.26; 95% CI 0.08–0.79, p = 0.018). No mortality was detected.ConclusionCMV infection is common when IT is used, but only some SLE patients with intense IT develop CMV infection. Certain characteristics of the patients may assist predict future CMV infection following IT. However, further study on a larger scale is encouraged.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Cytomegalovirus Seroepidemiology: a Population-based Study in Alborz Province, Iran.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a type of herpes virus. This virus is one of the most common causes of congenital and prenatal infections. CMV infection in pregnant women, especially in the first trimester, may lead to congenital abnormalities in newborns. The prevalence of CMV infection in developed countries is approximately 40%, and in developing countries, this prevalence may be up to 100%. Because there is no information available related to the seroepidemiological patterns of this infection in different cities of Alborz province, Iran, this study was conducted. This seroprevalence study was based on sera collected from adults who were referred to health care providers or Medical Diagnostic Laboratory Centers (MDLS) in Alborz province, Iran, from 2011 to 2015 for different purposes. Using ELISA (IgG), a retrospective serological survey of CMV antibodies in serum samples was performed in a non-immunized community. Frozen sera from 2001 individuals who were randomly selected by a cluster sampling technique were collected from spring 2013 to winter 2015. Seroprevalence was stratified by age (&amp;gt;1 to &amp;lt;50 years). Mathematical techniques were used to determine whether there is a relationship between CMV seroprevalence and age, sex, and level of education in this community. Data were analyzed using Fisher&amp;rsquo;s exact test and the &amp;chi;2 test using SPSS software version 11.5. The mean age of seropositive individuals varied between 15 and 50 years. CMV IgG was found in 1813 (91%) of 2001 individuals. In total, 188 individuals (9%) were negative for CMV IgG. There were significant relationships between seropositivity (CMV IgG) and age, sex, level of education, and level of antibody titer by sex. As in other developing countries, the prevalence of CMV infection in adults in Alborz province is high. Since CMV infection is prevalent and there are potential abnormalities associated with it, we strongly recommend the expansion of preventive measures and the establishment of programs to inform at-risk populations, especially vulnerable populations such as transplant recipients, immunocompromised patients, and school children on how to prevent this infection and its associated consequences.

Antenatal Cytomegalovirus Infection Screening Results of 32,188 Patients in a Tertiary Referral Center: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Objective: The present study aimed to determine cytomegalovirus (CMV) seroprevalence, low and high avidities, and the frequency of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positivity and neonatal disease in an obstetric population.Materials and methods: Sera of 32,188 women were tested for CMV IgM and/or CMV IgG between 2008 and 2017. Those with IgM were tested for antibody avidity. Of those with low avidity, PCR was offered.Results: The frequency of CMV IgG and IgM seropositivity was 62% (16,759/26,854) and 22% (74/32,188). The number with low avidity was 42. In 36/42, the infants were PCR tested for CMV and 9 were CMV positive. Only one infant had signs of congenital CMV infection at the time of birth.Conclusion: This study shows the prevalence of Cytomegalovirus infections in a tertiary referral center in Turkey. Although universal screening is not recommended, it can be helpful for the prevention of congenital infection for seronegative women to be advised to at-risk patients due to high prevalence of CMV exposure.

Blood donor safety, prevalence and associated factors for cytomegalovirus infection among blood donors in Minna-Nigeria, 2014.

Introductionhuman cytomegalovirus (CMV) has remained a cause of morbidity and mortality in pregnancy and immunocompromised patients. CMV is transmissible through blood transfusion. We conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional study to assess blood donor safety and to determine the prevalence and associated factors for CMV infection among blood donors in Minna, Nigeria.Methodsall consenting blood donors were screened for CMV antibodies (IgM and IgG) using ELISA kit and haematological indices using a haematological analyzer. We administered structured questionnaires to obtain socio-demographic and socio-economic data. Data were subjected to univariate, bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses using Epi Info version 3.5.4. Significant associations were presumed if p < 0.05.Resultsa total of 345 participantswere recruited, the majority were males 336 (97.4%). Monthly earnings of majority of the blood donors, 136 (40.6%) ranged from ₦18,000 to ₦35,000. The prevalence of CMV infection was 96.2%. The prevalence of anti-CMV IgG antibodies was 96.2% and that of IgM was 2.6%. Most of the study participants, 274 (79.4%) were family replacement donors. The majority of the blood donors 195 (56.5%) were anaemic (PCV < 36, Hb < 12g/dl). Those with positive CMV were more likely to be of high-income level (OR = 0.32, P = 0.04).Conclusionthe seroprevalence of CMV was high with a significant proportion of donors capable of transmitting CMV infection to blood recipients. The majority of the blood donors were anaemic. High income level is associated with CMV infection. Quality of screening for anemia be improved.

Frequency of cytomegalovirus in fertile and infertile men, referring to Afzalipour Hospital IVF Research Center, Kerman, IRAN: A case-control study

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) virus can hide in urinary genital tract cells and affect male infertility disorders. To evaluate frequency of CMV in the semen samples of men with infertility problems referring to a in vitro fertilization (IVF) center in Kerman, Iran and its association with the parameters of semen. In this case-control study, Real time polymerase chain reaction test was performed for detection of human cytomegalovirus in 100 fertile men compared to 100 infertile men referred to the IVF center of Afzalipour Hospital, Kerman, Iran. Out of 200 samples, 30 samples (15%) were positive for CMV DNA virus (23/100 men (23%) in case group and 7/100 men (7%) in the control group). Sperm counts and motility in the control group were more than the case group (p˂0.0001). There was a significant relationship between the prevalence of CMV infection and male infertility (p˂0.001). Our finding showed that, prevalence of CMV infection was higher in infertile men compared to fertile men and CMV infection can be considered as an important part of male infertility. So; antiviral treatment of positive cases can be effective in improving sperm quality and successful IVF. The relationship between CMV infection in semen and infertility was obtained in previous studies and was confirmed by our study.

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Differences in cognitive functions between cytomegalovirus-infected and cytomegalovirus-free university students: a case control study

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the herpetic virus, which infects 45–100% people worldwide. Many reports suggest that CMV could impair cognitive functions of infected subjects. Here we searched for indices of effects of CMV on infected subjects’ intelligence and knowledge. The Intelligence Structure Test I-S-T 2000 R was used to compare IQ of 148 CMV-infected and 135 CMV-free university students. Infected students expressed higher intelligence. Paradoxically, their IQ decreased with decreasing concentration of anti-CMV antibodies, which can be used, statistically, as a proxy of the time passed from the moment of infection in young subjects when the age of subjects is statistically controlled. The paradox of seemingly higher intelligence of CMV infected subjects could be explained by the presence of the subpopulation of about 5–10% CMV-positive individuals in the population of “CMV-negative students”. These false negative subjects had probably not only the oldest infections and therefore the lowest concentration of anamnestic antibodies, but also the lowest intelligence among the infected students. Prevalence of CMV infection in all countries is very high, approaching sometimes 90%. Therefore, the total impact of CMV on human intelligence may be large.

Seroprevalence of Cytomegalovirus Infection and Associated Risk Factors among Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infected Patients Attending Thika Level 5 Hospital, Kenya

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is an important pathogen in immunocompromised individuals. Coupled with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), it causes end organ diseases leading to increased morbidity and mortality in the population. The prevalence of Cytomegalovirus infection is above 93% in HIV infected children in Kenya. Despite, a high Cytomegalovirus seroprevalence found in children, few studies have documented CMV in adults. This study was done to determine the seroprevalence of CMV infection and its associated risk factors among HIV patients attending Thika level 5 Hospital in Kiambu County, Kenya. The study also evaluated the effect CMV infection on the immunity of HIV infected patients. A cross-sectional study involving 163 HIV positive participants from different age groups was carried out. A questionnaire was used to assess the socio-demographic and specific risk factors associated with cytomegalovirus. Blood was collected and analyzed for CD4 counts, CMV IgG and IgM. The seroprevalence of CMV was found to be 89% (CMV IgG) while the incidence was 10.4% (CMV IgM). The study found that CMV infection leads to more suppression of the immunity among the HIV infected patients. In addition, education, economic status, having other sexual transmitted infections, sharing drinks, immune status and blood transfusion were associated with CMV infection (p

Comparison of Mizoribine and Mycophenolate Mofetil With a Tacrolimus-Based Immunosuppressive Regimen in Living-Donor Kidney Transplantation Recipients: A Retrospective Study in China

BackgroundA retrospective study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms as well as the efficacy and safety of mizoribine (MZR) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in Chinese living-donor kidney transplantation (LDKT). MethodsForty-two recipients enrolled between January 2012 and March 2014 were treated with either MZR (n = 22) or MMF (n = 20). All patients were treated in combination with a tacrolimus-based immunosuppressive regimen, besides the study drugs. ResultsGI symptoms were observed in 1 of 22 patients (4.5%) and 10 of 20 patients (50%) in MZR treatment group and MMF treatment group, respectively (P = .001), during the post-transplantation 1 year. No significant differences in the incidence of acid reflux, bloated stomach feeling, and constipation were observed between the two groups. No recipient developed diarrhea in the MZR treatment group, whereas 30% of the MMF treatment group developed diarrhea (P = .007). The averages of GI symptom severity total score and diarrhea score were significantly lower in the MZR treatment group compare with MMF treatment group. There were no inter-group differences in background characteristics. There were no significant differences in acute rejection rate and clinical findings between these two groups, whereas the prevalence of cytomegalovirus infection and leukopenia were significantly lower in the MZR treatment group. There was no significant difference on adverse events such as hyperuricemia or other adverse events. ConclusionsThis study demonstrated a significantly lower incidence of GI symptoms for treatment with MZR compared with MMF and good efficacy and safety in Chinese LDKT with MZR.

Cytomegalovirus IgG and IgM antibodies among Sudanese patients with acute myeloid leukemia: relation to hematological prognostic markers

Background: Viral oncogenesis has remained an area of interest in cancer biology. Viruses have been great tutors of cancer biology, helping researchers to uncouple many signaling pathways and identifying critical therapeutic targets. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and its impact on hematological prognostic markers of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) among Sudanese populations. Method: The seroprevlance of CMV infection in AML patients was assessed in 100AML and 100 age and gender-matched controls. The associations of total white cell count and absolute blast count with the seroprevlance were examined. Results: The prevalence of CMV infection was 81% in patients and 17% in control subjects. Total white cell count and blast count were higher in AML CMV positive patients than AML CMV negative patients. Conclusion: Our findings indicate a high incidence of CMV infections in AML and its worse association with hematological markers could emphasize the role of CMV in the progression of AML. KEYWORDS: Acute myeloid leukemia; Cytomegalovirus.