Current Research in Medical Sciences

Background and Objective: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most important cause of congenital viral infections that can lead to sensorineural hearing loss and mental retardation in children. After infection of the human, CMV remains latent and can be transmitted to others. This study was performed to determine the seroprevalence of CMV infection among the students of Babol University of Medical Sciences.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 178 students of Babol University of Medical Sciences during 2009-2012. After obtaining the informed consent, demographic data and blood samples were collected from all participants. Anti-CMV IgG antibody titers were measured by ELISA. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS and statistical tests.

Findings: Of the participants, 37 (20.8%) were male and others were female. The mean age was 21.29+2.91. About 96% of the subjects (171 students) were positive for anti-CMV IgG, of whom 33 (19.3%) were male and others were female. There was no significant association between anti-CMV antibodies and demographic variables including gender (p=0.74), marital status (p=0.684), residency status (p>0.05), and field of study (p=0.95).

Conclusion: According to the high prevalence of CMV among the medical sciences students and the importance of congenital diseases caused by CMV, expansion of prevention programs and essential trainings, especially for the seronegative healthcare workers (e.g. physicians, nurses and midwives) and women in the marriageable age, seems necessary.