Diagnosis and monitoring of CMV infection in immunocompromised patients

Cytomegalovirus (CMV; Fig 1) is a DNA virus belonging to the herpesvirus family.1 Infection is common throughout the world with a seroprevalence of around 60% in the human population.2 Primary infection, which typically occurs during childhood, is often asymptomatic but it can cause symptoms similar to glandular fever.3 Following primary infection, CMV can persist in a latent state throughout the lifetime of the host1 and reactivation can occur if the host becomes immunocompromised.3 Thus, the rapid and reliable detection and quantification of CMV is essential as it is the most prevalent infectious pathogen in solid organ and bone marrow transplant recipients, and can lead to allograft rejection and other serious complications.2,4–7
 
Real-time molecular diagnostics
Recently, DiaSorin strengthened its infectious disease diagnostic portfolio with the launch of the Iam CMV assay for the molecular detection and quantification of CMV for use on the DiaSorin Liaison Iam analyser. The DiaSorin Iam CMV assay is used to detect and quantify clinically relevant subtypes of CMV in human plasma, urine and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), making it a valuable tool for the diagnosis and monitoring of CMV infection in transplant recipients and other immunocompromised individuals.

“DiaSorin offers a wide range of serology and molecular assays that play significant roles in the diagnosis and confirmation of infectious diseases,” said Paul Eros (Global Vice President Molecular, DiaSorin). “The potentially serious consequences of CMV infection in transplant and immunocompromised patients make Iam CMV an important addition to our infectious disease portfolio.

The availability of real-time molecular diagnostic methods such as Iam CMV allows the rapid and sensitive diagnosis of active CMV infection. Furthermore, quantification of the viral load is invaluable for assessing the risk of CMV-related disease, to provide prognostic information, for guiding treatment decisions and for monitoring response to therapy.”5–9
 
Increasing risk
Reactivation of latent CMV infection can occur in immunocompromised individuals.3 With the increasing number of transplant recipients, as well as expanding indications for immune-modulating agents, the number of people at risk of CMV disease and related complications is increasing.7 The direct and indirect effects of CMV infection can have a significant impact on outcomes for transplant recipients.4,6 Furthermore, CMV is a major cause of morbidity in AIDS patients and in others with impaired immunity (eg due to sarcoidosis, lymphoma and corticosteroid therapy).3,8 Clinical manifestations among these patient groups include retinitis, pneumonitis, gastrointestinal disease and neurological disorders.3,8