Cytomegalovirus (CMV) glycoprotein B genotype and CMV DNA load in the amniotic fluid of infected fetuses.

Objective: To assess the value of both cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA quantification in amniotic fluid (AF) and CMV glycoprotein B (gB) genotype as prognostic factors in CMV congenital infection.
Methods: Quantification of CMV DNA was performed prospectively by real-time PCR and gB genotypes were analysed by gene sequencing analysis in the amniotic fluid of 42 fetuses infected by CMV. These were correlated with clinical data on fetal anomalies and outcome.
Results: The proportion of severely symptomatic fetuses was similar in each gB genotype group. Median CMV DNA load was higher in the group of symptomatic fetuses but this difference was not significant and high and low viral loads were found in both groups.
Conclusion: Neither gB genotype nor CMV DNA load in AF correlate with the severity of CMV congenital infection and these markers are unlikely to prove useful for the management of congenital infection.
(Copyright (c) 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)