Studies on the Prevalence of Human Cytomegalovirus and Malaria Parasite Among Blood Donors in a Tertiary Health Institution in Nigeria
Abstract:
The study evaluated the prevalence of human cytomegalovirus (CMV) and malaria parasite among eligible blood donors at Madonna University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria, Elele River State. A total of two hundred subjects made up of one hundred and eight (54%) females and ninety-two (46%) males participated in the study. Blood samples were collected from the subjects and screened for CMV IgG and IgM using lateral f low chromatographic immunoassay and malaria parasite using standard microscopy. This study reported 0% prevalence of human cytomegalovirus infection among the subjects evaluated. Among the 200 subjects studied, 115(57.5%) were positive while 85(41.5%) were negative for malaria parasite. Among the positive subjects, 70(60.87%) were females while 45(39.13%) were males. Among the negative subjects, 38(44.71%) were females while 47(55.29%) males. With the overall prevalence of 57.5% for malaria parasite among blood donors, compulsory malaria parasite screening should form part of the transfusion transmissible infec tions screened in this locality to avert the deleterious effect of malaria on recipients. Proactive strategies of educating people on prevention and control measures should be instituted.
