Prevalence of cytomegalovirus infection among asymptomatic healthcare workers

Introduction: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the predominant cause of congenital and perinatal infection, with the majority of infections being asymptomatic at birth but subsequently leading to disabilities, primarily in the realm of neurological disorders. The current investigation aims to examine the frequency of asymptomatic CMV infection among healthcare workers at Ilam Gynecology and Obstetrics Hospital, Iran. Additionally, the aim is to identify any potential nosocomial transmission of CMV infection and ascertain the possible risk factors associated with neonatal CMV infection. Materials and methods: This study encompassed ۱۰۰ employees at Ilam Gynecology and Obstetrics Hospital, all of whom were subjected to analysis for blood and Nasal swab CMV-DNA testing using the Real-Time PCR technique. Results: The average age of the patients was ۳۳.۸۷ years (with a range of ۲۴ to ۵۲ years). Out of the ۱۰۰ samples, CMV DNA was detected in ۳ bloods (۳%) (Age=, ۲۶, ۳۱, ۳۸) and ۱ swab sample (۱%) (Age=۳۱). Subsequently, to confirm the molecular results, the PCR products were purified and subjected to sequencing and approved ۱ case to be an asymptomatic carrier of CMV. Conclusion: We found no significant correlation between CMV positivity and occupational groups; perhaps our sample size was small. Despite the relatively low incidence of CMV-DNA- especially in swab samples- in this study and the absence of evidence suggesting nosocomial transmission of CMV to the hospital's staff or neonates, it is crucial to dedicate significant attention to primary CMV infection among healthcare۲workers. Another investigation should be done to test if workplace exposures, certain activities or hygiene could be influencing factors in distributing or protecting against infections.

کلیدواژه ها:

Cytomegalovirus ، Prevalence ، Healthcare worker ، Hospital staff ، Real-Time PCR ، Asymptomatic Infection ، Carriers