Molecular detection and low prevalence of Human Herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) among male blood donors in Kassala, Sudan: a preliminary single-center study

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) is a latent beta-herpesvirus with potential transfusion-transmissible relevance, particularly in immunocompromised recipients. Data on HHV-6 viremia among Sudanese blood donors are extremely limited. This study aimed to determine the molecular prevalence of HHV-6 DNA among blood donors in Kassala, Sudan. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Kassala Teaching Hospital. Only male donors were included due to extremely low female donation rates in this setting. Whole-blood samples (n = 180) were screened for HHV-6 DNA using real-time PCR, followed by multiplex PCR for genotyping attempts. Due to the small number of positive cases, comparisons were considered exploratory and descriptive. RESULTS: HHV-6 DNA was detected in 2.78% (5/180) of donors. No significant associations were found between HHV-6 positivity and age group, region, or ABO/Rh blood groups. Hematological parameters showed no significant differences between HHV-6-positive and negative donors. Genotyping was unsuccessful for all positive samples, likely due to the high cycle threshold (Ct) values (38.7-39.9), indicating low viral DNA levels. HHV-6 viremia was infrequent among blood donors in Kassala. Given the very small number of positive cases (n = 5), failed genotyping, and lack of serological confirmation, these findings are exploratory and preliminary. Larger multicenter studies with more sensitive methods are needed.