Rapid Detection of Cytomegalovirus and Listeria monocytogenes Infection in Symptomatic Newborns by Fluorescence End-Point Detection PCR (FEP PCR)

Congenital CMV infection is the most prevalent congenital infection in the world, and perinatal Listeria infection is an important cause of neonatal sepsis. The identification of these two infections is hard. The PCR technique is a sensitive method, which is not simply available in Iran.

This study investigated the prevalence of CMV and Listeria in 100 urine samples from under 21-day-old neonates with positive risk factors by PCR electrophoresis and fluorescent end-point detection (FEP) PCR in Tehran referral hospitals.

We used 100 urine samples from neonates admitted to 11 medical centers in Tehran with positive selected clinical symptoms compatible with these infections. Electrophoresis and FEP PCR for CMV and Listeria were performed on all urine samples. For the data analysis, SPSS version 21 software was used, and p values of less than 0.05 were considered significant.

We collected 100 urine samples from 100 under 21-day-old neonates, referring to Tehran hospitals. Seven cases were positive for Listeria, and 58 cases were positive for CMV by electrophoresis and FEP PCR. Respiratory distress was the most common clinical finding in both groups. The Mc-Nemar test revealed a statistical agreement between calcification and CMV and meningitis and Listeria (P = 0.18 and 0.07, respectively). There was a positive relationship between the neonates’ age and CMV-positive condition (P = 0.001). This result was not significant among Listeria-positive cases.

Screening for CMV and Listeria infections in neonates with clinical features compatible with these intrauterine infections may give important information for their treatment and follow-up.