CMV infection of the renal allograft is much more common than the pathology indicates: a retrospective analysis of qualitative and quantitative buffy coat CMV-PCR, renal biopsy pathology and tissue CMV-PCR.

BACKGROUND

Quantitative blood polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for cytomegalovirus (CMV) is used to direct therapy in kidney transplant patients, but cytomegalic inclusions are rarely found in allograft renal biopsies even with an elevated serum creatinine and apparent CMV disease. The relationship between quantitative blood CMV and renal allograft pathology is unknown.

METHODS

Thirteen biopsy samples were available for analysis from patients suspected of CMV disease, who had a buffy coat CMV-PCR drawn within 2-5 days of a renal allograft biopsy for an elevated creatinine. All were evaluated for CMV pathologically, by light microscopy, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization and tissue PCR.

RESULTS

Qualitative and quantitative buffy coat CMV-PCR were positive in 10/13 (77%) patients. Tissue CMV-PCR was positive in five (50%) biopsies, including two with CMV inclusions and three with no inclusions. Quantitative buffy coat CMV-PCR levels did not correlate with detection of CMV inclusions in renal tissue. Paradoxically, quantitative buffy coat CMV-PCR was low (239 and 538 copies/microg of DNA) when CMV inclusions were detected. All five biopsies with acute rejection were associated with CMV viraemia and two of the five with allograft CMV inclusions. A quantitative buffy coat CMV-PCR of <100 copies/microg of DNA ruled out disease with CMV inclusions.

CONCLUSIONS

CMV nephropathy is much more common than previously reported when sensitive techniques are used for detection in tissue. Acute rejection and CMV viraemia occur commonly together in patients at risk for CMV. Quantitative buffy coat CMV-PCR does not correlate with the presence of CMV inclusions. These findings have implications for management of patients who have elevated serum creatinine and are at risk for CMV disease.