Implementation of PCR based CMV Screening using Saliva in Healthy Newborns in Varna, Bulgaria

Most congenital cytomegalovirus infections are asymptomatic at birth and therefore not diagnosed. Approximately 15% of these infants develop late-onset hearing loss and other developmental disorders. Implementation of a universal screening approach at birth may allow a closer follow-up of infants at risk and offers the opportunity to consider treatment. The objective of the current work was to perform, to our knowledge, for the first time, neonatal screening using saliva for CMV-DNA detection in RT-PCR in ran¬domly selected clinically healthy newborns in Varna, Bulgaria. From August 2017 to April 2018, saliva samples were collected from 63 healthy infants. DNA was extracted by RNA/DNA purification kit and was tested for CMV-DNA in RT-PCR. One saliva sample of the 63 tested (1.58%) showed detectable viral load. Saliva RT-PCR assay could be a feasible and effective technique for noninvasive neonatal CMV screening to detect affected infants who might benefit from follow-up or specific treatment.