Cytomegalovirus infection among employees of a children's hospital: no evidence for increased risk associated with patient care

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is one of a group of herpesviruses which inhabit the salivary glands and may result in infection or remain inactive. The virus is commonly found in infants, but may occur at any time, with variable severity. The CMV-infected individual may be without symptoms, or may have a fever or complications involving the liver or spleen. In infants, this virus can cause mental or motor retardation and death. Recent studies have indicated a greater prevalence of CMV infection among adults who have close contact with children, such as day-care workers and primary caregivers within the family. To further investigate this relationship, a four-year study was conducted among 1,250 employees at a children's hospital. The group comprised of a variety of personnel, including administrators, laboratory workers, and individuals who had direct patient contact. At the beginning of the study, 63 percent (783) of the group tested positive for cytomegalovirus. Factors that were associated with individuals who were positive for CMV antibodies were age (over 30 years), female sex, black race, less than 16 years of education, more than one year of employment, and marital status. Of the group who tested negative, 300 were followed-up for an average of 1.96 years. Out of this subgroup, only 13 individuals developed the CMV antibodies, which is comparable to the incidence that is found in the general population. No correlations were found between those testing positive and the number of hours worked or job type. It was concluded that employment in a children's hospital does not increase a worker's risk for CMV infection. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)