Year: 2026 | Month: June | Volume: 16 | Issue: 6 | Pages: 92-99
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20260610
Serological Profile of Patients with Suspected Cytomegalovirus Infection from a Tertiary Care Centre in South India
Sharon Leah S1, Mamatha V1, Sneha May Kurian1, Medha Alexander1
1Department of Microbiology,
St. John’s Medical College, St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, Bengaluru, India.
Corresponding Author: Mamatha V
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a ubiquitous herpes virus with a wide clinical spectrum, ranging from asymptomatic infection to severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised individuals. In India, CMV seroprevalence is high, with exposure being common in the early-life. Despite serological testing being routinely performed for screening, limited data exists regarding the seroprevalence, especially IgM seropositivity across individuals suspected of CMV infection.
Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational study included consecutive patient samples tested for CMV IgG and/or IgM antibodies. Demographic details, clinical indications, and ward distribution were analysed. Seroprevalence was assessed across age groups and gender.
Results: A total of 309 samples were analyzed. CMV IgG seropositivity was 81.12%, with higher prevalence among adults (88.62%) compared to paediatric patients (68.49%); CMV IgM seropositivity was 13.22%, with higher rates in children (17.97%) than adults (7.89%). Both these findings were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Among paediatric patients, IgM positivity was predominantly observed in neonates and infants. In adults, IgM positivity was mainly detected during transplant evaluation and suspected infections. A substantial proportion of IgG-positive cases were identified during pre-transplant screening.
Conclusion: High CMV IgG seroprevalence reflects widespread prior exposure, while IgM positivity indicates recent or active infection. The study findings highlight the importance of CMV screening in high-risk groups, particularly in pre-transplant settings and neonatal care. Though serological testing serves as a useful screening tool, careful clinical correlation is essential for appropriate interpretation and patient management.
Key words: Human cytomegalovirus, CMV IgG antibodies, CMV IgM antibodies, Seroprevalence