Rapid diagnosis of cytomegalovirus in Thai pediatric AIDS patients.

Blood samples were collected from 100 pediatric AIDS patients for the detection of CMV in pp65-bearing leukocytes (PBLs) by immunoperoxidase staining (IP) and PCR. IgM antibody assay was performed to determine the correlation of antigen and antibody. IP and PCR can be used as methods for the early detection of CMV (prior to the presence of IgM antibody). The sensitivity and specificity of IP were 73% and 97% respectively. IP is superior to PCR in several ways: it is very easy to perform, less time consuming, less expensive, and does not require expensive instruments.