Cytomegalovirus infection laboratory findings
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aravind Kuchkuntla, M.B.B.S[2]
Overview
There are no specific laboratory findings associated with CMV infection. Elevated ESR and a low lymphocyte count may be present in patients with complications. Diagnosis is usually done by demonstration of the inclusion bodies from the tissue biopsies or by a positive PCR for CMV DNA.
Laboratory Findings
The following laboratory investigations are useful for the diagnosis of cytomegalovirus infection:
Serological Tests
- Serological tests are not useful for the diagnosis of cytomegalovirus infection, however absence of CMV IgG excludes the presence of infection.
Polymerase Chain Reaction
- In patients with cytomegalovirus retinitis CMV DNA is detected in the vitreous in majority of patients.
- PCR for demonstration of CMV DNA is useful for the diagnosis of retinitis and neurologic disease.
- PCR of blood for demonstration of viremia is not useful for diagnosis of cytomegalovirus end organ disease as a negative result is not consistent with the absence of disease.