Detection of cytomegalovirus DNA in short term cultures.

Detection of human cytomegalovirus (CMV) by in situ DNA hybridisation six days after incubation of human diploid fibroblasts (ISDH-6) was evaluated prospectively in 205 urine samples, obtained from 57 kidney transplant and 17 bone marrow transplant recipients. The results were compared to those of conventional virus isolation (CVI) and the detection of CMV early antigens after one day of cultivation (EA-1). Of 42 samples positive for CMV by at least one of these methods, 40 (95%) were detected with ISDH-6.

Immunological detection of cytomegalovirus early antigen on monolayers inoculated with urine specimens by centrifugation and cultured for 6 days as alternative to conventional virus isolation.

Detection methods for human cytomegalovirus were evaluated with 431 urine samples from 30 bone marrow and 88 kidney transplant recipients. Low-speed centrifugal inoculation was followed by early antigen (EA) detection by means of indirect immunofluorescence with a monoclonal antibody after 1 (EA-1) and 6 (EA-6) days of cultivation. The results were compared with those of conventional virus isolation (CVI).