Cytomegalovirus Infection: Concern for Occupational, Environmental, and Nosocomial Infections?

BACKGROUND: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the leading cause of congenital and perinatal infections, often presenting as asymptomatic at birth but later resulting in disabilities, and articular neurological disorders. AIMS: The current study aims to assess the prevalence of asymptomatic CMV infection among healthcare workers at Ilam Gynecology and Obstetrics Hospital in Iran, as well as investigate the potential nosocomial transmission of CMV infection and identify any potential risk factors associated with neonatal CMV infection. METHODS: This study involved 100 employees at Ilam Gynecology and Obstetrics Hospital who underwent blood and nasal swab CMV DNA testing using the real-time PCR technique. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 33.87 years, ranging from 24 to 52 years. Among the 100 samples, CMV DNA was detected in three blood samples (3%) (ages 26, 31, and 38 years) and one swab sample (1%) (age 31). To confirm the molecular results, the PCR products were purified and sequenced, and one case was confirmed to be an asymptomatic carrier of CMV. CONCLUSIONS: We did not find any significant correlation between CMV positivity and occupational groups. Despite the relatively low incidence of CMV DNA, especially in swab samples and the absence of evidence suggesting nosocomial transmission of CMV to the hospital staff or neonates, it is crucial to pay significant attention to primary CMV infection among healthcare workers.