Recent Trends in Cytomegalovirus IgG Seropositivity in the Adult Population of Korea: A Cross-Sectional Study and Literature Review
- Author:
Changhee HA
1
;
Anna LEE
;
Hee-Won MOON
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Annals of Laboratory Medicine 2026;46(2):171-179
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is prevalent worldwide. Although Korea has historically shown high CMV IgG seropositivity ( > 95%), declines have been reported recently. We assessed current CMV IgG seropositivity and analyzed prevailing trends in the Korean population.
Methods:Residual samples from individuals undergoing regular health checkups were analyzed. We assessed 1,978 samples (from 937 men and 1,041 women) where the age group distribution was relatively balanced. CMV IgG levels were measured at two institutions using a commercial immunoassay (Alinity i CMV IgG Reagent Kit, Abbott) following the manufacturer’s instructions. Results were interpreted as “reactive” when the CMV IgGconcentration was ≥ 6.0 arbitrary units (AU)/mL or “nonreactive” when the CMV IgG con-centration was < 6.0 AU/mL. Seropositivity was compared by sex and across age groups (20–29, 30–39, 40–49, and 50–59 yrs).
Results:The overall CMV IgG seropositivity was 89.9% (1,778/1,978) and was significantly higher in men (91.7%, 859/937) than in women (88.3%, 919/1,041) (difference:3.4%; 95% confidence interval: 0.8%–6.0%; P = 0.012, chi-square test). No significant differences with regard to sex were found within each age group. Seropositivity increased with age, from 76.3% (347/455, 20–29 yrs) to 99.8% (448/449, 50–59 yrs) (P for trend < 0.001), consistently in both sexes.
Conclusions:Our findings provide the most up-to-date estimate of CMV IgG seropositivity in the Korean adult population. Because of lower seropositivity in younger adults, continued monitoring and further education are essential for CMV control and prevention.
