Optimization of PCR-based diagnostics for human cytomegalovirus.

Various techniques of DNA template preparation for the PCR-based analysis of human CMV in biological fluids have been compared. Structural polymorphism of a CMV DNA segment (part of the major immediate early gene) in clinical isolates is described; the molecular markers (nucleotide substitutions, deletions, insertions) localized in the analyzed amplicon appear to be suitable for molecular-epidemiological studies. A scheme of spreading of the molecular markers in the population is suggested.