The accuracy and the specificity of genome sequencing in the detection of congenital Cytomegalovirus from dried blood spots

Abstract

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common cause of congenital infection as well as affecting immunocompromised patients, the most prevalent of which is sensorineural hearing loss. HCMV has an icosahedral nucleocapsid containing double-stranded DNA as its nucleic acid surrounded by a tegument (a proteinaceous matrix), and this well keep which surrounds the nucleocapsid and gives the virus its roughly spherical structureThe envelope glycoproteins of Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) (B, L, H, M, N, and O) are critical for viral infectivity because they are involved in viral attachment and penetration of the cell, viral cell-to-cell transmission, and viral-cell membrane fusion. Nevertheless, they are identified as vital targets for immunological responses (humoral and cell-mediated) against the virus. Kinzler and Compton, (2005), found that the glycoprotein of the virion is plays a significant role in the fusion mechanisms and the entry of the host cell surface. The use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for CMV disease detection is commonly considered as having numerous advantages, it is a quick and sensitive approach since it can identify very low levels of virus in patient samples. Dried blood spot sampling can be used in place of the reference samples – plasma and serum – in instances where venous whole blood specimen collection is not feasible. This includes newborn screening, genetic mutation testing, medication monitoring. Guthrie's use of the dried blood spot uses it to track mentally impaired children ushered in newborn monitoring. While the specific assay is no longer used, the word "Guthrie card" is still used colloquially to refer to the dry blood spot collection method that continues to be used in modern newborn screening programs worldwide. Additionally, to further improve and maximize the value of the DBS test, it is planned to investigate whether recovery of DNA from a DBS will allow the possibility of sequencing for genotyping as well as detection and quantification of CMV DNA.