Cytomegalovirus seroprevalence among blood donors: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Screening for cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific antibodies is not routine in some settings. Thus, transfusion of blood products poses risks for susceptible individuals. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the global pooled CMV seroprevalence among volunteer blood donors. METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. The databases searched included Embase, Google Scholar, Medline, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Data were extracted independently and analyzed using STATA version 11. RESULTS: The global seroprevalence of CMV IgG, CMV IgM, and both CMV IgM and IgG was 83.16% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 78.55–87.77%, I(2) = 99.5%), 13.77% (95% CI: 11.59–15.95%, I(2) = 98.8%), and 23.78% (95% CI: 10.50–37.06%, I(2) = 98.7), respectively. CONCLUSION: The global seroprevalence of CMV was high among blood donors. Therefore, regular CMV screening should be conducted to identify CMV-seronegative blood donors.