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.