DETECTION OF CYTOMEGALOVIRUS USING PCR IN SERUM FROM RENAL-TRANSPLANTRECIPIENTS

Aims-To develop a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for the detect ion of cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA in serum and leucocytes of renal tran splant recipients and compare this assay with CMV culture and serodiag nosis. Methods-Monthly specimens were obtained from 12 patients starti ng immediately before transplant. CMV infection was monitored by IgM e nzyme linked immunosorbent assay, virus culture and PCR on serum and l eucocytes. Results-Two of four IgG positive patients had reactivation of CMV disease confirmed by culture, three of eight seronegative patie nts had a primary infection, one confirmed by serology and two by cult ure. PCR was positive earlier than conventional methods in three cases and concurrently in two. No positive PCR reactions occurred in the se ven patients who remained negative by culture and serology. Conclusion s-CMV DNA is detectable in serum; serum may be positive before virus i s detectable by buffy coat culture; and PCR may be useful as an early indication of potential CMV disease in renal transplant recipients.