NEONATAL SCREENING FOR CONGENITAL CYTOMEGALOVIRUS-INFECTION BY DETECTION OF VIRUS IN SALIVA

A rapid assay for detection of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in saliva was eva luated as a screening method for congenital infection. Samples of sali va were examined by detection of early antigen fluorescent foci (DEAFF ) and standard tissue culture (TC). Results were compared with those f rom urine DEAFF. CMV was detected in saliva from 31 (1.7%) of 1870 new borns, 26 by DEAFF and TC, 1 by DEAFF alone, and 4 by TC alone. Urine DEAFF was positive in 28 of these 31 newborns. The sensitivities of va rious tests were saliva TC, 96.8%; saliva DEAFF, 87.1%; and urine DEAF F, 90.3%. A change in transport medium for 825 saliva samples resulted in improved sensitivities: saliva TC and saliva DEAFF, 100%; urine DE AFF, 92.3%. Screening saliva of newborns for CMV appears to be at leas t as sensitive a method for detecting congenital infection as detectio n of viruria; saliva can be collected with less difficulty and expense than urine.