Cytomegalovirus Antiviral Resistance Test Guides Treatment

The molecular test accurately detects key genetic mutations by sequencing the CMV UL97 phosphotransferase gene and the CMV UL54 DNA polymerase gene. Mutations in the UL97 phosphotransferase gene have been associated with ganciclovir resistance. Mutations in the UL54 DNA polymerase gene have been associated with resistance to the medications ganciclovir, foscarnet, and cidofovir. Turnaround time on most CMV antiviral resistance tests is up to two weeks. By identifying quickly and accurately if a patient has an antiviral resistant CMV infection, the test will help physicians to begin or modify appropriate treatment regimens faster, reducing healthcare costs, and potentially save lives.

CMV is a very common virus that infects up to 80% of adults in the United States by the age of 40. For people with weakened immune systems, such as transplant patients, patients undergoing cancer treatments, or those infected with HIV, CMV can result in serious illness or even death. The illnesses caused by CMV include interstitial pneumonia, gastrointestinal infection, central nervous system disease, hepatitis, retinitis, and encephalitis. In organ transplant patients, the virus has been associated with organ rejection and dysfunction, increased risk for microbial opportunistic infections, and the development of Epstein-Barr virus- (EBV)-associated post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease. CMV in a pregnant woman can have teratogenic effects on the fetus.

ViraCor Laboratories (Kansas City, MO, USA), a company that develops molecular diagnostic testing for infectious diseases, launched the new CMV antiviral resistance test. As part of its new testing service, ViraCor provides scientific analysis and clinical interpretation of the gene mutations associated with antiviral resistance.

ViraCor provides a range of novel infectious disease tests. In addition to CMV, the company offers tests for BK virus (BKV), John Cunningham virus (JCV), EBV, and Enterovirus.

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