We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane for studies on HCMV detection in glioblastoma. A single-arm meta-analysis estimated pooled prevalence with subgroup analyses by region, country, income level, antibody, and detection method. Random-effects models (95% CI) were applied, and heterogeneity quantified using I².

19 studies comprising 988 glioblastoma patients were included, HCMV positivity was 68% (95% CI, 0.53 to 0.80; P < 0.0001; I² = 91.4%). Subgroup analyses revealed a significant prevalence in Europe and Central Asia (82%; 95% CI, 0.63 to 0.93; P < 0.0001; I² = 94.7%) and North America (78%; 95% CI, 0.23 to 0.98; P < 0.0001; I² = 94.3%), followed by Middle East/North Africa (72%; 95% CI, 0.45 to 0.89; P < 0.0001; I² = 87.4%), Latin America and Caribbean (65%; 95% CI, 0.25 to 0.91; P < 0.0001; I² = 85.5%), and East Asia and Pacific 0.51 (95% CI, 0.16 to 0.86; P < 0.0001; I² = 94.6%). High-income and upper-middle-income countries have a predominance of 69% and 70% (95% CI, 0.42 to 0.88 and 0.52 to 0.87, P < 0.0001, I² = 95.2% and 83.5%) compared to lower-middle-income (53%; 95% CI, 0.25 to 0.79; P = 0.0012; I² = 90.4%). Detection methods influenced prevalence, with IHC showing 76% positivity versus 65% ELISA and 66% PCR. Antibody analysis highlighted the significance of UL83 (95%) and IE-73 (87%) within studies.

This meta-analysis revealed high HCMV detection in glioblastoma, although results vary by region, income, technique, and antibody. Standardized protocols and large studies are needed to clarify HCMV's role and implications for targeted therapies.