96 Tests Kit Enzyme Immunoassay for the Detection of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgG
Introduction
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection has widespread prevalence and it is one of the most common causes of morbidity in humans. CMV is a large-size virus consisting of double-strand DNA, which is known to have the largest genetic content among Herpes family viruses. The prominent feature of CMV infection is the establishment of latent infection with recurrent reactivation. Most CMV infections are subclinical, and the virus can cause persistent, hidden, and asymptomatic infection. The virus can remain alive in various human organs like the kidney, heart, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells for years. Viral excretion occurs a few months after primary infection via saliva and urine. Infectious mononucleosis induced by CMV can occur in adolescents and adults. In those who have received bone marrow transplantation, interstitial pneumonitis caused by CMV infection is the primary cause of mortality, and in patients affected by HIV infection, CMV infection displays disseminated features. Congenital infection happens during the intrauterine period or immediately after birth, resulting in fetal death or major complications like hepatosplenomegaly, microcephaly, and mental retardation. Therefore, diagnosing CMV infection during pregnancy is highly important. To diagnose CMV infection reliably, two separate serum samples taken 10 days apart are used to demonstrate specific anti-CMV IgG titer rising. Demonstration of specific anti-CMV IgM antibodies in individual samples is an alternative serological technique for diagnosing CMV infection. The CMV-IgG ELISA kit has high sensitivity and specificity for detecting anti-CMV IgG.
Test Principle
The test principle is based on the indirect ELISA technique, in which diluted patient serum samples are allowed to react with coated CMV antigens. After incubation, the HRP-conjugated anti-human IgG is added into the wells. If anti-CMV IgG is present in the samples, it will react with the HRP-conjugated anti-human IgG. After incubation and appropriate washing, a solution of chromogen substrate is added and incubated for 15 minutes, resulting in the development of a blue color. The color development is stopped with the addition of stop solution, changing the color to yellow and measured spectrophotometrically at 450 nm. The concentration of CMV IgG is directly proportional to the color intensity of the test sample.
Clinical Significance
CMV is a significant cause of morbidity, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, and neonates. In transplant recipients, CMV infection can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, hepatitis, and gastrointestinal disease. In neonates, congenital CMV infection can result in hearing loss, developmental delays, and neurological deficits. Early detection of CMV IgG antibodies aids in determining past exposure and immune status, which is essential for monitoring high-risk populations.
References
- Mahy, B.W.J., & Meulen, V.T. (2005). Topley and Wilson’s Microbiology and Microbial Infections: Virology (10th ed., Vol. 2). Hodder Arnold.
- Lennette, E.H., & Smith, T.F. (1999). Laboratory Diagnosis of Viral Infections (3rd ed.). Marcel Dekker.
- Connie, R.M., & Manuselis, G. (2000). Textbook of Diagnostic Microbiology (2nd ed.). Saunders.
- Major, M.E., Rehermann, B., & Feinstone, S.M. (2001). Fields Virology (4th ed.). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.