The pp67 mRNA assay in treatment and monitoring of cytomegalovirus disease in renal transplant patients in India

Abstract

The present report describes use of nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA) technology to detect pp67 mRNA of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in transplant patients in India. In our experience, pp67 mRNA assay was an accurate, rapid, and effective diagnostic tool to detect active CMV disease in 40.7% (50/123) of symptomatic transplant cases. This assay also allowed us to monitor CMV therapy. As part of the immunosuppressive regimen mycophenolate mofetil was found to increase the risk of developing CMV disease. All positive cases with this assay were subjected to antiviral therapy, with complete remission of the disease. At our center CMV NASBA assay has become the gold standard for the diagnosis of CMV disease in transplant patients.