RT-PCR Urine pool test, the probable method for congenital cytomegalovirus infection diagnosis and screening in the near future; an observational study and literature review

Abstract

Background and objective: Human cytomegalovirus(CMV) is the most common microorganism responsible for perinatal infections. Early detection of CMV infection is a concern worldwide because many asymptomatic cases can cause neurological or hearing impairment. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible method for detection of congenital cytomegalovirus infection and screening by RT-PCR. Materials and Methods: In this study, a total of 1690 newborns in Isfahan from September 2014 to January 2017 were studied. Urine samples were collected from neonates using urine bags. All samples were tested for CMV using RT-PCR. Hearing assessment was performed using the ABR. In addition to searching the complete literature on congenital CMV infection, the terms "cytomegalovirus", "CMV" and "CMV congenital infection" were searched in databases. Results: Cytomegalovirus infection can be transmitted through bodily fluids including urine, cervical secretions, semen, and saliva. In the present study, a total of 1617 neonates were studied. 49 of infants were diagnosed as CMV positive. The results showed that RT-PCR test in urine samples for detection of CMV had high sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion: we find RT-PCR on the urine pool test a valuable, and cost-benefit means for the screening of congenital CMV in newborns. © 2020 by Advance Scientific Research.