Lack of difference in cytomegalovirus transmission via the transfusion of filtered-irradiated and nonfiltered-irradiated blood to newborn infants in an endemic area.
BACKGROUND
It is accepted that white cells contained in blood components are the most significant source of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in immunocompromised and immunodeficient recipients.


METHODS
To determine whether white cell filtration of blood would be effective in preventing infection among newborn transfusion recipients in a hyperendemic area, a randomized study was performed. All donor blood units were irradiated before issue to prevent posttransfusion graft-versus-host disease. Recipients were monitored for CMV infection by seroconversion (development of IgM anti-CMV) and CMV-DNA isolation.


RESULTS
Three (9%) of 33 infants who received filtered blood and 1 (5%) of 19 infants given nonfiltered blood were infected with CMV, as determined by the presence of IgM anti-CMV and/or CMV DNA isolation.There was no significant difference in the rate of CMV infection in the two groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The CMV infection observed in the study may come from other routes such as breastfeeding, rather than from transfusion. Our findings suggest that the routine use of white cell-reduction filtration to reduce the risk of transmitting CMV is unwarranted for neonates in endemic regions.
Ohto
H
H
Division of Blood Transfusion and Transplantation Immunology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima City, Japan.
Ujiie
N
N
Hirai
K
K
D001769:Blood / Q000528:radiation effects*; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission*; D019353:Endemic Diseases; D005260:Female; D005374:Filtration; D006086:Graft vs Host Disease / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D012698:Serologic Tests; D065227:Transfusion Reaction