Sero-molecular evaluation of human cytomegalovirus disease in renal transplant rejection

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common viral pathogen in renal transplant recipients resulting in graft rejection. The prevalence of CMV disease and renal graft rejection is not well studied in India. Sequential specimens from 32 renal allograft recipients were examined by using CMV IgM specific mu capture ELISA and DNA by PCR. Twelve of the 32 patients were CMV IgM positive and out of 12 patients, 9 had rejection and 4 experienced CMV disease. CMV IgM specific mu capture ELISA helped in diagnosis of CMV disease, though it is less sensitive in detection of rejection. PCR itself was proved not sensitive enough in detecting either CMV disease or rejection. At present, optimal laboratory detection of CMV infection in these patients can be achieved only by multiple and more sensitive parameters.