Simplified Method for Isolation of Cytomegalovirus and Demonstration of Frequent Viremia in Renal Transplant Patients

Summary

Isolation of cytomegalovirus (CMV) has been simplified using monolayers of fibroblasts in plastic cell-culture trays. The technique is at least as efficient as the conventional tube technique and may be more efficient with specimens containing low concentration of virus such as blood. Cytomegalovirus in blood has been detected only in association with the buffy-coat layer, but not with plasma or red cells. Pretreatment of fibroblasts with 5-iodo-2′-deoxyuridine (100 μg/ml) has not increased the CMV isolation rate. Using the new technique, CMV viremia was detected in 30% and CMV viruria in additional 20% of renal allograft recipients. Ninety strains of CMV, ten strains of herpes simplex, and two strains of varicella-zoster were isolated from 1,720 specimens.

We thank Dr. A. Nahmias, Emory University, and Dr. E. H. Lennette, California State Health Department, for identification by immunofluorescence of herpes simplex and varicella-zoster viruses. Supported by contract NHLI-72-3 from the National Heart and Lung Institute.