Paediatrics – MCQ 30 – Diagnosis of congenital CMV infection

Which of the following does not establish a diagnosis of congenital CMV infection in a neonate?
a) Urine culture of CMV
b) IgG CMV antibodies in blood
c) lntra nuclear inclusion bodies in hepatocytes
d) CMV viral DNA in blood by polymerase chain reaction

Correct answer : b) IgG CMV antibodies in blood

Maternal IgG antibodies can pass into fetal circulation. Hence it is not possible to establish a diagnosis of congenital CMV infection in a neonate just by demonstrating the presence of IgG antibodies.