EVALUATION OF HUMAN CYTOMEGALOVIRUS GENE EXPRESSION IN THORACIC ORGAN TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS USING NUCLEIC ACID SEQUENCE-BASED AMPLIFICATION

Abstract

NASBA provided a standardized tool for the detection of CMV transcripts with a greater sensitivity than the standard antigenemia test. Detection of immediate early and early gene transcripts was not specific for subsequent infection. CMV late gene expression determined by NASBA was an accurate and early marker of CMV infection. Detection of CMV late gene expression could be used to trigger "preemptive" anti-CMV therapy.