Laboratory diagnosis of HCMV-related disease in renal transplant patients - pp65 antigen detection versus nested PCR.
BACKGROUND
Sixty-five renal transplant (Tx) recipients were monitored for signs and symptoms of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection.


OBJECTIVE
Different diagnostic markers were evaluated for early and correct diagnosis of HCMV disease.


METHODS
Blood and urine samples were obtained in weekly intervals and the following markers were determined: (1) IgG and IgM antibodies in serum using immunofluorescence and ELISA tests; (2) viral shedding in urine by rapid centrifugation culture (RCC); (3) viral antigen (pp65) in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) by immunofluorescence and (4) viral DNA in PBL by nested PCR (NPCR).


RESULTS
Twenty-two patients remained free of HCMV infection, 18 patients developed clinical symptoms of HCMV disease, and 25 patients remained asymptomatic in spite of laboratory signs of HCMV infection. For the early detection of HCMV disease, the highest sensitivity was achieved using NPCR (100%) and pp65 antigen detection (94%). RCC and IgM serology were less sensitive (62% and 40% respectively). The differences of sensitivity were significant. Clinical specificity was 47% for NPCR, 79% for pp65 antigen detection, 66% for RCC, and 68% for IgM serology.


CONCLUSIONS
In contrast to NPCR, pp65 antigen detection was closely correlated with the appearance of clinical disease and proved to be a useful marker in the monitoring of antiviral therapy.
Meyer-König
U
U
Abteilung Virologie, Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie und Hygiene, Universität Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.
Serr
A
A
Hufert
F T
FT
Strik
M
M
Kirste
G
G
Haller
O
O
Neumann-Haefelin
D
D