Growth of cytomegalovirus at supra-optimal temperatures.

An isolate (Mira) of cytomegalovirus is shown to replicate in human embryonic lung fibroblasts at supra-optimal temperature (40 degrees C). The ability of the Mira isolate to grow at 40 degrees C decreased as a function of age of cells in which the virus was grown. The unusual morphology of the lesions in late passage cells infected and maintained at 40 degrees C is illustrated.

Partial characterization of a herpes-type virus (K9V) derived from Kaposi's sarcoma.

A herpes-type virus that was originally isolated from a cell culture (designated K9V) derived from a tumor biopsy specimen from a patient with Kaposi's sarcoma was partially characterized. The host range of K9V, as determined by the induction of virus-specific cytopathology, synthesis of antigens, and plaque formation, was limited to human cells and particularly to fibroblasts. Immunofluorescence and complement fixation assays confirmed the specificity of the presence of cytomegalovirus (CMV)-type antigens in K9V-infected human fibroblasts.

Human cytomegalovirus: a review of developments between 1970 and 1976. Part II. Experimental developments.

Over the last 6 years, our knowledge of the basic characteristics of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has been greatly enhanced, especially as concerns the microbiology of this virus. DNA relatedness studies show that there is 80% homology between different strains, regardless of their origin. Studies on the relationships between HCMV and host-cell metabolism reveal that it induces both a virus specific and a cellular DNA polymerase, stimulates ribosomal RNA, induces early protein synthesis and results in the liberation of "intrinsic" interferon.

Human cytomegalovirus. A review of developments between 1970 and 1976. I. Clinical developments.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV), like other members of the herpesviruses, is widely distributed in human populations where the frequency of seropositive individuals is influenced by such factors as age, sex and socio-economic conditions. While this virus causes such diseases as mononucleosis, it is also implicated in autoimmune phenomena and plays an adverse role renal and bone marrow transplantation. Perhaps the most menacing aspect of CMV is the role which it play in congenital malformations resulting from in utero or neo-natal infection.