Detection of congenital cytomegalovirus infection by using chorionic villi of the early pregnancy and polymerase chain reaction.

Objective: To detect congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection of chorionic villi in early pregnancy.

Methods: Extraction of DNA of chorionic villi and amplification of the gene of major immediate-early (MIE) antigen of CMV using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results: Sixty-eight specimens of chorionic villi and 16 specimens were positive for CMV infection by PCR. The incidence of congenital CMV infection in the first trimester of pregnancy was 23.5%.

Conclusions: The risk of transmission of CMV from mother to fetus in early pregnancy is very high and potential CMV carriers may transmit CMV to their fetus in early pregnancy.