Question
How should the results of the neonatal cytomegalovirus infection test be interpreted to confirm whether the baby has been infected with the virus?
Answer
The diagnosis of neonatal cytomegalovirus infection can be established through any of the following methods:
- Cytomegalovirus Isolation: Isolate HCMV from urine, blood, saliva, breast milk, or other tissues. If other viruses are detected in the cells of the tested tissue along with typical cytomegalovirus features, excluding cytomegalovirus itself.
- Serum Specificity Antibody Testing:
- Serum Antibodies Against Cytomegalovirus: A change from negative to positive indicates a primary infection.
- Positive results for serum antibodies against cytomegalovirus suggest HCMV infection; if antibodies CMV-IgG are also negative, it indicates a primary infection. These test results help confirm whether the newborn has been infected with cytomegalovirus.