title: Development of a novel single tube nested PCR for enhanced detection of cytomegalovirus DNA from dried blood spots.
abstract: Newborn screening for congenital cytomegalovirus (CCMV) using dried blood spots (DBS) has been proposed because many developed countries have DBS screening programmes in place for other diseases. The aim of this study was to develop a rapid, single tube nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for enhanced detection of CMV from DBS compared to existing (single target) real time PCRs. The new method was compared with existing real time PCRs for sensitivity and specificity. Overall sensitivity of the single target PCR assays in both asymptomatic and symptomatic infants with laboratory confirmed congenital CMV was 69% (CMV PCR or culture positive before day 21 of life). In contrast, the single tube nested assay had an increased sensitivity of 81% with100% specificity. Overall the assay detected CMV from a DBS equivalent to an original blood sample which contained 500IU/ml. In conclusion this single tube nested methodology allows simultaneous amplification and detection of CMV DNA in 1.5h removing the associated contamination risk of a two step nested PCR. Owing to its increased sensitivity, it has the potential to be used as a screening assay and ultimately allow early identification and intervention for children with congenital CMV.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Virology, UCL Medical School, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, UK. Electronic address: Claire.atkinson1@nhs.net.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Atkinson
authors.affiliation: Centre for Virology, UCL Medical School, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, UK; Department of Microbial and Cellular Science, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.
authors.forename: V C
authors.initials: VC
authors.lastname: Emery
authors.affiliation: Centre for Virology, UCL Medical School, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, UK.
authors.forename: P D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Griffiths
mesh_terms: D001769:Blood / Q000821:virology*; D003587:Cytomegalovirus / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000821:virology; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D003890:Desiccation; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D025202:Molecular Diagnostic Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods; D014773:Virology / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D004279:DNA, Viral
keywords: Congenital cytomegalovirus; Dried blood spot; Nested PCR; Newborn screening