Early detection of cytomegalovirus in cell culture by a monoclonal antibody.
A commercially available monoclonal antibody directed against early cytomegalovirus (CMV) antigen was used for the demonstration of CMV by immunofluorescence (IF) in cell culture within 2 days. The results were compared with the appearance of CMV-specific cytopathogenic effect (CPE). Urine specimens from 31 healthy children in day-care centers were inoculated on human embryonic fibroblasts. In addition, 45 CMV strains that had been stored at -70 degrees C were reinoculated. CMV was detected in 8/31 urine specimens by IF and 7 of these gave a specific CPE at an average of 16 days post-inoculation. One specimen was negative by IF but specific CPE was found at day 13. After reinoculation, CMV was detected in 76% by IF while 44 specimens developed CPE within a 6-week period. Demonstration of early CMV antigen in cell culture was found to be a rapid method for early diagnosis of CMV. Since the conventional cell culture with detection of CPE was more sensitive it may be useful to combine the two methods.
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000032:analysis*; D002460:Cell Line; D002648:Child; D003587:Cytomegalovirus / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D003588:Cytopathogenic Effect, Viral; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D017874:Immediate-Early Proteins; D014556:Urine / Q000382:microbiology
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000956:Antigens, Viral; D017874:Immediate-Early Proteins; C044582:immediate-early proteins, cytomegalovirus