Cytomegalovirus and pregnancy
Most adults are infected with CMV and the virus is shed intermittently without symptoms; The danger is posed by primary infection or reactivation during pregnancy - fetal malformations are possible. PCR of the smear shows whether the virus is currently being secreted in the genital tract, and complements the blood test for antibody IgM/IgG (TORCH). If the result is positive, the gynecologist assesses the need for treatment and timing of pregnancy planning, and prescribes monitoring. The test is often performed in conjunction with a herpes smear.
Indications
- discharge, itching, burning, pain during urination and sexual intercourse;
- inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis), appendages, chronic colpitis with relapses;
- pregnancy planning and examination during pregnancy, infertility, miscarriage;
- new sexual partner, unprotected contact, STI in a partner;
- before operations, hysteroscopy, IUD insertion, IVF;
- cure control.
Why PCR
Polymerase chain reaction detects pathogen DNA even in minimal quantities and in asymptomatic cases, distinguishes between species (for example, Ureaplasma parvum and urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis and genitalium), and the quantitative format shows the concentration - important for opportunistic microbes, which are treated only when the threshold is exceeded. A regular smear on the flora shows only leukocytes and gross changes; sowing is long; PCR is a fast and accurate standard for diagnosing sexually transmitted infections.
