Detection of Cytomegalovirus in the Meconium of Infected Newborns by Polymerase Chain Reaction

Abstract

Objective: Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a leading cause of hearing loss and mental retardation throughout the. world. Detection of the CMV DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) offers a sensitive, rapid, and specific means of identification. Meconium, the stool formed in utero, may be an ideal specimen for CMV detection. The objective of this study was to develop a PCR-based methodology for the detection of CMV in the meconium of neonates.