Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and / or Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections in renal transplant recipients may cause significant morbidity and mortality. In order to managing these infections, established guidelines suggest that both the recipient and the donor should be routinely tested for anti-CMV and anti-EBV antibodies prior to renal transplantation. The aim of the present study was to assess the effectiveness of such screening among populations living in Iran. We have retrospectively analyzed the incidence of CMV and EBV infection in 925 and 710 potential renal allograft donors and recipients, respectively. Recipients received their kidney allograft between 2006 and 2008. All recipients were first transplants. Enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) tests were performed on these samples to determine if antibodies to CMV (IgG) and EBV viral capsid antigen (VCAIgG), were present. Finally the seroprevalence and demographic factors were analyzed. 568 (61.40%) individuals of potential renal transplant donors and 483 (68.02%) individuals of potential renal transplant recipients were male. Donors group aged 18 to 50 years (mean and standard deviation were 30.7 and 8.1 years, respectively) and recipients group aged 18 to 60 years (mean and standard deviation were 45.9 and 7.3 years, respectively). Pretransplant CMV (IgG) and EBV (VCAIgG) seroprevalences were 100% in all age and sex groups of donors and recipients. Our findings suggest that in kidney transplant centers in Iran, routine screening for IgG antibodies to CMV and EBV is not necessary in potential renal transplant recipients and donors with age > or =18 years old.