Cytomegalovirus (CMV) seroprevalence in the adult population of Germany

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200267
• Publication Date: 2018-07-25T17:33:11Z
• Authors: Raskit Lachmann; Anna Loenenbach; Tim Waterboer; Nicole Brenner; Michael Pawlita; Angelika Michel; Michael Thamm; Christina Poethko...; Ole Wichmann; Miriam Wiese-Posselt
• Keywords: Seroprevalence; Cytomegalovirus

Background Infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV) remains asymptomatic in most immunocompetent hosts, but is the leading cause of congenital viral infection worldwide and can be life-threatening immunocompromised individuals. We aimed to assess CMV seroprevalence a nationally representative sample adults Germany identify sociodemographic factors associated seropositivity. Methods Blood samples from 6552 participants (18–79 years) "German National Health Interview Examination Survey 1998", population-based adult population Germany, were tested for presence antibodies using an Ig-multiplex assay. Weighted was calculated weighted binomial regression used Results Overall 56.7% (95%CI: 54.8–58.7%), higher women (62.3%) than men (51.0%). Seroprevalence increased age: 31.8% 63.7% 44.1% 77.6% when comparing 18–29 70–79 year age-group, respectively. childbearing age (18–45 51.7%. Factors significantly seropositivity age, country birth, smoking status, education, living northern number household members. In addition, having attended child care men, siblings East women. Conclusion Our results indicate that half susceptible primary during pregnancy. screening pregnancy informing seronegative about risk reduction measures could prevent infections its serious consequences.