Comparative Analysis of ELISA (IgG, IgM) and Real-time PCR for Accurate Cytomegalovirus Detection in Women with Abortion Experiences

This study investigates the association between cytomegalovirus (CMV) and abortion in 150 women using diagnostic methods (ELISA and Real-time PCR targeting the Ul55 gene). The research reveals a CMV prevalence of 13.53%, with significant correlations between CMV infection and sexually transmitted diseases, multiple sexual partners, recurrent miscarriages and headache/fever. Sensitivity and specificity for IgG in detecting CMV infection were 100% and 6.12%, while for IgM, they were 78.26% and 100%, respectively. The optimal cut- points for IgG and IgM were identified at 145.65 mg/dL and 4.5 mg/dL, demonstrating sensitivities of 65% and 96%, specificities of 25% and 95% and AUCs of 0.45 and 0.95, respectively. Real Time PCR, the gold standard for pathogen detection, outperforms ELISA as a screening test for CMV infections, especially in detecting IgG. This study underscores the significance of molecular methods, recommending their stronger and faster application for effective cytomegalovirus detection. Keywords