Transfusion-transmitted cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections in a murine model: characterization of CMV-infected donor mice.

Background: Donor and recipient mechanisms that modulate the incidence and severity of transfusion-transmitted cytomegalovirus (TT-CMV) are unclear. The kinetics of murine CMV (MCMV) infection in the peripheral blood of donor mice were investigated to determine the utility of this model for studying TT-CMV.

Study Design And Methods: BALB/cByJ mice, experimentally infected with Smith strain MCMV, were killed at serial time points up to 28 days after infection.

Photochemical treatment of platelet concentrates with amotosalen hydrochloride and ultraviolet A light inactivates free and latent cytomegalovirus in a murine transfusion model.

Background: A photochemical treatment (PCT) process utilizing amotosalen hydrochloride and long wavelength UVA light has been developed to inactivate pathogens in PLTs. This study investigated the effects of amotosalen/UVA treatment on free and latent murine CMV (MCMV) in PLT preparations using a murine model of transfusion-transmitted CMV (TT-CMV).

Study Design And Methods: In a model of latent MCMV infection, "donor" mice received 1 x 10(6) plaque-forming units (PFUs) MCMV and were rested 14 days.