Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in newborns can be detected by real-time polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR) assays of saliva samples. CMV infection is usually asymptomatic but can cause hearing loss. Currently newborns are not screened for CMV infection. Babies could benefit from early intervention as the PCR assays can be automated and adapted for widespread screening. According to Suresh Boppana, MD, of the University of Alabama at Birmingham said, "Assays using both liquid and dried saliva had high sensitivity and specificity for identifying the infection, with positive predictive values over 90% and negative predictive values at or near 100%." The research has been published in the June 2 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. Source: Medindia << Mums' Body, Placental Size Can Predict Heart Attack Risk Japanese Workers Dress Down to Save Planet >> Recommended Reading New Vaccine for CMV Infection A strategy for developing a human vaccine to prevent against Human Cytomegalovirus (hCMV) infection and disease was developed READ MORE Newborn Screening Tests for Babies Nearly 90 percent of all babies born in the United States - more than double the percentage in 2005 - live in states that require screening. READ MORE Study Says Newborn Screening may Miss Hearing Loss in Some Kids The universal newborn hearing screening programs fail to identify all kids at the risk of hearing loss, says study. READ MORE Polymerase Chain Reaction PCR is a thermocycler that can amplify DNA or RNA and is used to identify infections, cancers and for genetic, forensic and evolutionary studies. READ MORE Screening for HIV/AIDS Infection Efficient screening and better drugs help reduce the prevalence of HIV infection. A number of tests like ELIZA & Western Blot are used for screening HIV. READ MORE Most Popular on Medindia Sanatogen Turmeric Powder - Health Benefits, Uses & Side Effects Drug Interaction Checker More News on: Screening for HIV/AIDS InfectionPolymerase Chain Reaction
Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in newborns can be detected by real-time polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR) assays of saliva samples. CMV infection is usually asymptomatic but can cause hearing loss. Currently newborns are not screened for CMV infection. Babies could benefit from early intervention as the PCR assays can be automated and adapted for widespread screening. According to Suresh Boppana, MD, of the University of Alabama at Birmingham said, "Assays using both liquid and dried saliva had high sensitivity and specificity for identifying the infection, with positive predictive values over 90% and negative predictive values at or near 100%." The research has been published in the June 2 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. Source: Medindia
