CMV-seropositive blood donors may have peripheral blood mononuclear cells that are latently infected with CMV. Furthermore, a small proportion of CMV-seronegative individuals are CMV carriers who are able to transmit CMV through blood products for transfusion as verified by CMV PCR testing. In view of the demonstrated risk of significant morbidity and mortality for HIV-infected individuals who acquire CMV infection, MASAC recommends that all HIV-seropositive persons should receive blood that does not transmit CMV, regardless of CD4 T-lymphocyte status and regardless of the recipient's CMV serological status. For this purpose, the donor should test negative for CMV antibody. Alternatively, prestorage leukocyte-reduced blood is equally effective in preventing CMV transmission by blood transfusion. If prestorage leukocyte-reduced blood is not available, then the blood should be filtered at the bedside during transfusion.

References:

1. Larsson S, Soderberg-Naucler C, Wang FZ, Moller E. Cytomegalovirus DNA can be detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from all seropositive and most seronegative healthy blood donors over time. Transfusion 1998; 38:271-8.

2. Pamphilon DH, Rider JR, Barbara JA, Williamson LM. Prevention of transfusion-transmitted cytomegalovirus infection. Transfusion Medicine 1999; 9:115-23.

3. Strauss RG. Leukocyte reduction to prevent transfusion-transmitted cytomegalovirus infections. Pediatric Transplantation 1999; 3 (Suppl 1): 19-22.

4. Blood Safety and Availability Committee Proceedings. January 25-26, 2001.

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