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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
qPCR Is a Sensitive and Rapid Method for Detection of Cytomegaloviral DNA in Formalin-fixed, Paraffin-embedded Biopsy Tissue
Published on: July 10, 2014
Is the cytomegalovirus serologic status always accurate? A comparative analysis of humoral and cellular immunity
Martina Sester1, Barbara C Gärtner, Urban Sester
1Medical Department IV, Nephrology, University of the Saarland, Homburg, Germany.
Background:
The precise knowledge of cytomegalovirus (CMV) status is important in a variety of clinical settings such as transplantation or blood transfusion. There are, however, various situations where an immunoglobulin-based diagnostic approach has limitations.
Methods:
The CMV status of 388 individuals was determined by the analysis of both CMV-specific immunoglobulins and cellular immunity using a standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and a rapid-flow cytometric approach, respectively.
Results:
In 386 of 388 individuals, both assays yielded concordant results in assigning the CMV status (294 positive and 92 negative). In 2 of 94 (2.1%) CMV immunoglobulin (Ig) G-negative individuals, CMV-specific CD4 T cells were detectable. Repeated testing of the index and follow-up samples yielded one positive and one marginally positive IgG titer.
Conclusions:
Both assays yielded highly concordant results. Thus, the T-cell-based approach may represent a reliable alternative for defining CMV status in any clinical situation where serologic testing is limited by borderline titers or by the presence of passively administered antibodies.
