Real-time PCR versus shell vial culture on urine of patients with suspected congenital cytomegalovirus infection

Aims: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common cause of congenital infection. Aim of this study is to support quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) versus shell vials culture for CMV screening in urine samples. Patients & methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 255 urine samples belonging to patients admitted to Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital, Rome, Italy, with suspected congenital CMV infection. Results & conclusion: Quantitative real-time PCR resulted more standardized, faster, less operator-dependent, less laborious and most of all cost saving and more sensitive than shell vial culture. Since a negative result for CMV in urine means no congenital infection, a more sensitive tool for detection of CMV DNA is essential to improve patient management and to reduce healthcare costs associated to a late diagnosis.