Diagnosis of Cytomegalovirus by Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction in Pregnant Women in Kirkuk City

Abstract Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most prevalent viral infection in humans, particularly in pregnant women due to decreased immunity. Most accurate laboratory method for the diagnosis of this virus is via RT-PCR to detect vial DNA. Objectives: This study attempted to identify the presence of the cytomegalovirus among pregnant women in Kirkuk City. Materials and Methods: For the real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test, viral DNA was extracted from blood samples of pregnant women in different trimesters and residency from Azadi Teaching Hospital in Kirkuk city. Results: Enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay testing revealed 128 pregnant women who had the infection, (4.68%) were positive in RT-PCR and majority of them (57.81%) were at their trimester and most of them (78.13%) were from city center. Conclusions: RT-PCR is most accurate, specific, and rapid method for diagnosis of viral infection such as cytomegalovirus.