Evaluation of a commercially available cytomegalovirus-specific IgM test for the diagnosis of cytomegalovirus infection in the symptomatic newborn.

A commercially available (Electro-Nucleonics, Inc.) indirect fluorescent antibody test was evaluated for the detection of cytomegalovirus-specific IgM antibody in serum of newborn infants. The serum IgM fraction from 13 symptomatic newborns with cytomegalovirus infection and 30 control infants was tested. Seven of 13 infected infants and none of 30 control infants had a positive IgM test. This cytomegalovirus-specific IgM test is rapid and specific but lacks sensitivity.