BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is one of the most frequent infectious complications, which results in renal transplant failure. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the demographic characteristics and risk factors associated with the incidence period of CMV infection after renal transplant.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in renal transplant recipients during 2010-2015 in kidney transplant unit of Shahid Beheshti Hospital of Babol, Iran. The evaluated demographics included body mass index (BMI), smoking status, type of underlying disease leading to end-stage renal disease, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and type of dialysis. Data analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier estimator, log-rank test, and Cox regression.

FINDINGS: In total, 242 patients received renal transplant, among whom 73 (30.2%) cases had CMV infection with median and mean survival of 41 and 48.09±23.50, respectively. In this study, there was no correlation between demographic variables (e.g., gender, place of residence, marital status, educational level, BMI, smoking status, hepatitis B, and type of dialysis) and incidence period of CMV. However, a significant relationship was observed between the incidence period of CMV and age (mean: 45 years, P=0.04), as well as etiology of ESRD urology (P=0.03).

CONCLUSION: The prevalence of CMV infection is reported to be high in elderly patients with history of urologic diseases. Therefore, performing short-term follow-ups four months after transplantation, with emphasis on the first two months is recommended.