Comparative Analysis of CRP, D-dimer and Platelet Count in CMV-Positive Versus CMV-Negative Patients

Abstract

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection can induce inflammatory responses, but the relationship between specific inflammatory biomarkers and CMV infection is not fully understood. This study aims to evaluate the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer, and platelet counts in patients with CMV seropositivity.
Methodology: Fifty individuals were enrolled, divided equally between a CMV-infected group and a control group. The CMV diagnosis was based on  serological  tests.  Exclusion  criteria  included  co-infections, cardiovascular abnormalities, the use of anticoagulants, and hematological changes. The study measured CRP and D-dimer levels using the AFIAS-6 instrument and platelet counts via automated hematology analyzers. Data analysis included comparison of biomarker levels between groups and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis for diagnostic utility.
Results: CRP levels were significantly higher in the CMV group compared to the control group, with a mean of 31 mg/l versus 4 mg/l. D-dimer levels were  also  elevated  in  CMV  patients  (mean:  509  ng/ml)  compared  to controls (mean: 209 ng/ml). Platelet count differences were not significant. ROC analysis showed high specificity and moderate sensitivity for CRP and D-dimer in diagnosing CMV infection (AUC of 0.848 and 0.795 respectively), but platelet count was not a reliable indicator.
Conclusion: CRP and D-dimer are promising biomarkers for detecting CMV infection, but platelet counts do not offer significant diagnostic value. Further research is needed to explore the utility of these biomarkers in different clinical settings and populations.