Detection of intrauterine viral infection using the polymerase chain reaction

作者：Van den Veyver IB^*; Ni JY; Bowles N; Carpenter RJ; Weiner CP; Yankowitz J; Moise KJ; Henderson J; Towbin JA

来源：Molecular Genetics and Metabolism, 1998, 63(2): 85-95.

DOI：10.1006/mgme.1997.2651

• polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
• fetal infection
• nonimmune hydrops
• viral infection

Intrauterine viral infection commonly presents as nonimmune hydrops fetalis or intrauterine growth restriction. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and parvovirus are commonly recognized causes of fetal infection using serology and cultures. We used the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to evaluate the frequency of fetal viral infection and the associated clinical course and outcome. Specimens (amniotic fluid, fetal blood, pleural fluid, tissue) from 303 abnormal pregnancies at risk for viral infection and 154 controls were analyzed using primers for CMV, herpes simplex virus, parvovirus B19, adenovirus, enterovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and respiratory syncytial virus. Viral genome was detected in 144/371 samples (39%) or 124/303 patients (41%), with adenovirus (n = 74 patients; 24%), CMV (n = 30 patients; 10%), and enterovirus (n = 22 patients; 7%) most common. Only 4/154 (2.6%), unaffected control patients' samples were PCR positive. We conclude that diagnosis of fetal viral infection by PCR is common in abnormal pregnancies. Adenovirus and enterovirus may cause fetal infection that have been previously unrecognized.

• 出版日期1998-2