Age-related prevalence of cytomegalovirus IgG antibody in north-west England

We assessed the prevalence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgG antibody in north-west England. The prevalence of antibody was low in pre-school children, but rose rapidly on school entry (age 5 years). About 40% of female blood donors of child-bearing age were seropositive. Hospitalised young adults had a higher prevalence of antibody than blood donors of similar age. Our results emphasised the need for local data on CMV seroprevalence when planning the counselling of women about acquisition of CMV during pregnancy and when planning the provision of CMV seronegative blood and blood products.