title: Cytomegalovirus in Australian blood donors: seroepidemiology and seronegative red blood cell component inventories.
abstract: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) can lead to severe disease in high-risk subpopulations. To prevent transfusion-transmitted CMV in these patient groups, the Australian Red Cross Blood Service maintains inventories of CMV-seronegative fresh blood components.
  
  
  
  Donor demographic data and CMV seroscreening results for all blood donations and blood components issued in Australia between financial years (FYs) 2008/09 to 2012/13 inclusive were obtained. Population estimates were also extracted for the calculation of age-weighted seroprevalence estimates. Linear regression was used to model trends in red blood cell (RBC) component acquisition and demand.
  
  
  
  The estimated age-weighted seroprevalence of CMV in 20- to 69-year old Australians was 76.12 ± 0.13%, with higher seroprevalence in females and older age groups. Seroprevalence decreased over the study period, while the demand for CMV-seronegative RBC components increased. It was predicted that component acquisition may be insufficient by FY 2017/18 if current trends persist.
  
  
  
  These findings represent an evaluation of CMV seroepidemiology in Australia and form a basis to predict the future status of CMV-seronegative RBC component inventories. The results will serve to guide Blood Service operations and inform current international debate on CMV-safe blood components.
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine, University of Queensland.|Clinical Services and Research, Australian Red Cross Blood Service, Brisbane, Queensland.
authors.forename: Daniel V
authors.initials: DV
authors.lastname: Lancini
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine, University of Queensland.|Clinical Services and Research, Australian Red Cross Blood Service, Brisbane, Queensland.
authors.forename: Helen M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Faddy
authors.affiliation: Manufacturing, Australian Red Cross Blood Service, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Sue
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ismay
authors.affiliation: Manufacturing, Australian Red Cross Blood Service, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Stuart
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chesneau
authors.affiliation: Clinical Services and Research, Australian Red Cross Blood Service, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hogan
authors.affiliation: Clinical Services and Research, Australian Red Cross Blood Service, Brisbane, Queensland.
authors.forename: Robert L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Flower
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia; D001771:Blood Banks / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends*; D001782:Blood Donors / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D003587:Cytomegalovirus / Q000276:immunology*; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000821:virology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D055815:Young Adult