What does this research mean for the field?

CMV DNA positivity in amniotic fluid samples is strongly associated with CNS anomalies in pregnancies with high-risk ultrasound findings. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.CONFIRMATORY. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.SUPPORTS_CONSENSUS.

What question did this study set out to answer?

This study aims to determine the prevalence of CMV DNA in amniotic fluid samples and assess associated prenatal ultrasound findings in high-risk pregnancies.

March 16, 2026

The importance of prenatal diagnosis of congenital CMV infections and its relationship with prenatal clinical findings through molecular detection of CMV DNA in amniotic fluid samples

Key Result

CMV DNA was detected in 4.20% of amniotic fluid samples, with 80% of positive cases showing CNS anomalies on ultrasound findings.

Key Points

This study aims to determine the prevalence of CMV DNA in amniotic fluid samples and assess associated prenatal ultrasound findings in high-risk pregnancies.
Retrospective study of 238 pregnant women undergoing amniocentesis.
CMV DNA in amniotic fluid was detected using Real-Time PCR.
Maternal CMV IgG and IgM serological results were analyzed alongside ultrasound findings.
CMV DNA was detected in 10 out of 238 amniotic fluid samples (4.20%).
80% of CMV DNA-positive cases showed CNS anomalies on ultrasound.
All CMV DNA-positive cases were CMV IgG positive, but none were IgM positive.

Structured PICO

Does RT-PCR for CMV DNA in amniotic fluid improve prenatal diagnosis of congenital CMV infection in pregnant women with high-risk ultrasound findings?

Population

238 pregnant women who underwent amniocentesis between January 2023 and November 2025 due to high-risk ultrasound findings suggestive of prenatal CMV infection during the second trimester.

Intervention

Real-Time PCR (RT-PCR) for CMV DNA detection in amniotic fluid samples.

Outcome

Frequency of CMV DNA in amniotic fluid samples and evaluation of associated prenatal findings.surrogate

CMV DNA PCR testing in amniotic fluid is valuable for diagnosing prenatal CMV infection in pregnancies with high-risk ultrasound findings, especially CNS anomalies, as maternal serology alone may be insufficient.

Main Result

Absolute Event Rate: 0% vs 0%

Abstract

Aims: Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection is a major cause of prenatal morbidity, frequently associated with central nervous system (CNS) involvement. This study aimed to determine the frequency of CMV DNA in amniotic fluid (AF) samples obtained from pregnancies with high-risk ultrasound findings suggestive of prenatal CMV infection during the second trimester and to evaluate the associated prenatal findings.Methods: This retrospective study included 238 pregnant women who underwent amniocentesis between January 2023 and November 2025 due to high-risk ultrasound findings identified by experienced perinatologists. CMV DNA in AF samples was detected using Real-Time PCR (RT-PCR). Maternal CMV IgG and IgM serological results were obtained from patient records. Prenatal ultrasound findings, serological data, and molecular test results were analyzed statistically. Results: CMV DNA was detected in 10 of 238 AF samples (4.20%; 95% confidence interval: 1.7-6.8%). In cases with CMV DNA positivity, prenatal ultrasound findings predominantly involved CNS anomalies (80%). CMV IgG positivity was observed in all CMV DNA-positive cases, while CMV IgM positivity was not detected in any patient. Conclusion: The strong association between CNS-predominant ultrasound anomalies and CMV DNA positivity underscores the diagnostic value of CMV DNA PCR testing in AF samples for prenatal CMV infection. These findings support the use of molecular diagnostic methods alongside ultrasonographic evaluation, as maternal serological screening alone may be insufficient for accurate prenatal CMV diagnosis.

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