Quantification of Human Cytomegalovirus DNA in Amniotic Fluid of Mothers of Congenitally Infected Fetuses

A quantitative PCR assay was used to quantitate human cytomegalovirus DNA in amniotic fluid of mothers of 21 fetuses with congenital infection. Seven fetuses presented ultrasound abnormalities or were born with symptoms, whereas 14 fetuses were subclinically infected. Although the median DNA level was higher in symptomatic fetuses, the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.09).