Detection of HTLV and CMV in pregnant women by Real-Time PCR

Introduction: Maternal infection with HTLV1, 2 and CMV during pregnancy is frequently associated with transplacental transmission to the fetus. Early diagnosis of HTLV and CMV in pregnant women is necessary to get effective treatment and prevent fetal complications. The present study aimed to assess the use of PCR and compare it with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection of HTLV and CMV infections in pregnant women. Materials and methods: Forty six pregnant women were included in this study ranging in age from 20-35 years selected from patients attending an outpatient clinic of the immunology and virology Department at Guilan University Hospital, over a six month period. They were tested for the presence of HTLV and CMV DNA in their blood by PCR and specific antibodies to HTLV and CMV by ELISA. The results were recorded to evaluate the best technique for detection of HTLV and CMV infection. Results: 37 (80. 4%) cases out of 46 subjects had positive results for ELISA anti HTLV and CMV (IgG) in this study, and 15 (32.6%) cases had positive results for ELISA anti HTLV and CMV (IgM). Two cases (4.3%) had positive PCR results, and 44 cases (95.7 %) were negative. Sensitivity and Specificity of ELISA IgG were 100 % and 20.6%, respectively, and IgM was 100% and 70.5% respectively when compared with PCR. Conclusion: The results suggested that screening the pregnant women for HTLV and CMV antibodies using ELISA is a specific and sensitive tool for the early identification of patients exposed to HTLV and CMV. This information can be used as an alarm for babies at high risk of developing serious disabilities.

کلیدواژه ها:

ELISA ، PCR ، CMV ، HTLV ، Detection ، Pregnant women