Development of PCR assay for early detection of CMV infection in renal transplant recipients

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is an important viral pathogen in patients undergoing organ transplantation. Objectives: We aimed to develop a molecular qualitative PCR assay for the detection of CMV DNA in clinical samples from renal transplant recipients. Patients and Methods: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed for the assessment of CMV replication in two groups of renal transplant patients. Furthermore, the sensitivity of PCR for detection of CMV DNA from plasma relative to leukocyte was tested. Results: CMV DNA was detected in 33 (25.9%) samples of 127 renal transplant patients. From 33 patients with positive PCR test, 20 patients had clinical symptoms and 13 (33.4%) of the patients had no clinical symptoms of disease. Also, the sensitivity of PCR assay for detection of CMV DNA from leukocyte relative to plasma is more. Conclusions: The results suggest that The CMV PCR might be a useful tool for the early identification of patients at high risk of developing CMV disease. Furthermore the best sample for identify CMV infection is peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL).