Seroprevalence of Cytomegalovirus Among Thalassemia Patients in Southern Iran: A Cross-sectional Single-Center Study

Abstract

Background: Thalassemia, a common autosomal recessive disorder, is associated with complications such as transfusion-transmitted infections. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a significant pathogen in immunocompromised individuals, with severe clinical manifestations in thalassemia patients. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies against CMV in children with thalassemia at the Abu Rayhan Special Diseases Center in Bandar Abbas. Methods: In this cross-sectional study conducted in 2024, 116 non-thalassemia individuals and 131 patients with thalassemia under 18 years of age who regularly received blood transfusions at the Abu Rayhan Special Diseases Center were included. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect IgG and IgM antibodies against CMV. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software, and the chi-square test was used to compare the groups. Results: A total of 131 thalassemia patients, comprising 50.4% males and 49.6% females, were assessed using the ELISA technique. A significant difference was observed in the prevalence of CMV IgG antibodies between the thalassemia and non-thalassemia groups (P < 0.05). The prevalence of CMV IgM and CMV IgG antibodies in thalassemia patients was 5.3% and 100%, respectively. Among patients who had received more than 10 transfusions per month, 4.7% were seropositive for CMV IgM antibodies. Conclusions: Frequent blood transfusions, while indispensable in the management of thalassemia, may inadvertently alter immune responses to CMV. This underscores the importance of vigilant monitoring and targeted interventions to minimize the risk of complications arising from viral reactivation.