[Polymerase chain reaction in diagnosis of cytomegalovirus infection in patients with organ allotransplants].

AIM

Investigation of potentialities of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in diagnosis of cytomegalovirus infection in recepients of allotransplants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PCR with primers on the MIE region was used to examine the blood of recepients of the kidney, heart, hemodialysis patients, donors (199, 6, 35 and 67 subjects, respectively) for DNA of cytomegalovirus (CMV).

RESULTS

CMV DNA was found in none of the donors, 95 recepients. Severity of clinical symptoms in blood carriers of CMV correlated with the level of DNA CMV (p < 0.001). 85% of those with high levels of DNA CMV (1000 per 10(5) leukocytes) had acute clinical symptoms. 15.8% of all the PCR-positive patients had no symptoms at the time of the examination. Specific antivirus ganciclovir therapy was given to 50% of PCR-positive patients and to 85% of those who had DNA CMV higher than 1000 c. per 10(5) leukocytes. The treatment resulted in a sharp fall or disappearance of DNA CMV and symptoms of CMV disease.

CONCLUSION

PCR can be applied in diagnosis of CMV infection in allotransplants recepients.