[Evaluation of cytomegalovirus quantification in blood by the R-gene real-time PCR test].
OBJECTIVE
Diagnosing the presence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in the blood of immunodepressed patients is often done by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR) even though the reference method remains the antigenemia pp65 (Ag-pp65) test.


OBJECTIVE
To define the predictive value of the Q-PCR in the diagnosis of CMV disease and assess treatment efficacy using the CMV R-gene test. To compare the Q-PCR results and feasibility with those of the Ag-pp65 test.


METHODS
The Q-PCR was performed in 34 whole blood samples (frozen at -80 degrees C until use) from five patients diagnosed with CMV disease, defined as the presence of clinical signs and Ag-pp65 in the nuclei of more than two cells. After extraction, viral DNA was quantified in each sample using the Q-PCR CMV R-gene kit according to the manufacturer's instructions. Immediately after blood was drawn, the Ag-pp65 test had been performed in 32 samples using CINAkit (Argene).


RESULTS
The 16 samples positive by the Ag-pp65 test were also positive by PCR; six samples negative by the Ag-pp65 test were positive by PCR; and the remaining 10 samples were negative by both techniques. During treatment, the two markers' kinetics were similar.


CONCLUSIONS
The CMV R-gene test has a predictive value as good as that of the Ag-pp65 test but is fast and easier to use. A prospective study with a greater number of patients is needed to define the prediction threshold for CMV disease.
Marque-Juillet
S
S
Service de microbiologie, centre hospitalier de Versailles, 177, rue Versailles, 78150 Le Chesnay, France. smarquejuillet@ch-versailles.fr
Touzard
A
A
Monnier
S
S
Fernand-Laurent
C
C
Therby
A
A
Rigaudeau
S
S
Harzic
M
M
D001793:Blood Preservation; D003199:Computer Systems; D015925:Cryopreservation; D003587:Cytomegalovirus / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000502:physiology; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000821:virology*; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000097:blood*; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D010750:Phosphoproteins / Q000097:blood; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D019562:Viral Load; D014763:Viral Matrix Proteins / Q000097:blood; D014766:Viremia / Q000821:virology*; D014775:Virus Activation
D004279:DNA, Viral; D010750:Phosphoproteins; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D014763:Viral Matrix Proteins; C065418:cytomegalovirus matrix protein 65kDa