[Detection of cytomegalovirus in urine using DNA-DNA hybridization]

A discussion is conducted on the results of the application of the technique for hybridizing nucleic acids to the detection of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in urine samples. For this purpose, 2 probes from 2 different regions of the genome of the AD169 strain of CMV were used. The results were compared with those obtained by the technique for the detection of early fluorescent antigens (DEFA) in 2 groups of patients at risk of suffering from CMV infections. After assessing the usefulness of the two probes in detecting CMV in urine samples, it was shown that probe B from the region which codes the synthesis of early viral proteins had a coincidence and specificity levels regarding the reference test (DEFA) significantly superior to that of probe A. The results of hybridization may be ready within 48 and 72 hours. The qualification of the technique fo its application to virological diagnosis is discussed.