Detection of cytomegalovirus in post hematopoietic stem cells transplant recipients by real-Time PCR

Objective: To evaluate the frequency of Cytomegalovirus in Post Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients by molecular method. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Virology Department, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Rawalpindi Pakistan Jan to Dec 2021. Methodology: One hundred and twenty-six hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients were included in this study and were separated into various age groups. All included patients were CMV IgG positive. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on post-HSCT recipients to detect CMV. Results: Out of 126 post-HSCT recipients, CMV was detected in 80(63%) patients and was not found in 46(36%) patients. Among positive patients, 60(75%) were males, and 20(15%) were female. Maximum cases of CMV detection in post-HSCT were found in 23 patients aged 1-10 years. Conclusion: A high frequency of CMV in post-HSCT recipients was observed in this study. CMV cause major complications in immunocompromised patients, such as in transplant recipients. Prevention of CMV infection is a main part of post-transplant monitoring and management. (author)