Estimated cytomegalovirus seroprevalence in the general population of the United States and Canada

Abstract

AbstractSeroprevalence data for cytomegalovirus (CMV), a widespread virus causing lifelong infection, vary widely, and contemporary data from the United States (US) and Canada are limited. Utilizing a modeling approach based on a literature review (conducted August, 2022) of data published since 2005, we determine age‐, sex‐, and country‐specific CMV seroprevalence in the general US and Canadian populations. Sex‐specific data were extracted by age categories, and a random‐effects meta‐regression model was used to fit the reported data (incorporating splines for the US). Seven studies reported US CMV seroprevalence (both sexes, aged 1‒89 years); all used National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. Due to limited population‐based studies, Canadian estimates were modeled using other limited country data. In both countries, modeled seroprevalence estimates increased with age and were higher in females versus males (US: 49.0% vs. 41.6% at 18‒19 years; 61.5% vs. 50.0% at 38‒39 years; Canada: 23.7% vs. 13.7% at 18‒19 years; 32.6% vs. 22.6% at 38‒39 years). Notably, by young adulthood, one‐half of US and one‐quarter of Canadian females have acquired CMV. The observed differences in CMV seroprevalence in the US and Canada may partially reflect variations in general population characteristics.