The aim of this study was to detect by PCR/RFLP HCMV strains containing specific UL97 or UL54 mutation in patients without previous therapy. Samples from 20 renal transplant recipients with HCMV infection at the moment of the diagnosis. From all the patients blood, saliva and urine samples were collected to investigate the possible occurrence of distinct mutations in different body sites. Although no HCMV strains with mutations conferring drug resistance were detected, the PCR/RFLP methodology was considered an adequate and practical tool to detect alterations in viral genes from different body fluids. The absence of drug resistant viral strains in the analyzed samples do not preclude its appearance in the near future, since the use of antiviral drugs in this setting is more widespread in the recent years. We suggest a periodic evaluation of the sensitivity pattern to antiviral drugs in order to monitor its occurrence.
Cytomegalovirus; Antiviral; Resistance; UL97; UL54; RFLP