DIAGNOSIS OF CYTOMEGALOVIRUS INFECTIONS USING POLYMERASE CHAIN-REACTION, VIRUS ISOLATION AND SEROLOGY

The nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was compared with virus iso lation and serology to establish which is the best method for the diag nosis of active cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Samples of blood leuc ocytes, urine and throat washings from immunosuppressed patients and p atients with congenitally acquired CMV infection, as well as from heal thy persons, were examined with PCR. CMV DNA was detected in all sampl es from which CMV could be isolated, but not from any sample from heal thy adults, whether CMV seropositive or CMV seronegative. In contrast to the findings in healthy persons, CMV genomes were frequently detect ed in urine and throat washings from immunosuppressed, CMV-seropositiv e patients without symptoms of CMV infection. The appearance of CMV ge nomes in blood cells in immunosuppressed CMV-seronegative patients may be the first sign of primary CMV infection. Congenital CMV infection could be rapidly and safely diagnosed when urine samples were examined by PCR. Nested PCR is a valuable tool for the diagnosis of active CMV infection, when selected materials are used.