CYTOMEGALOVIRUSES IN STORED URINE SPECIMENS

Titration of cytomegalovirus in original urine specimens from asymptomatic children and adults showed titers of from 100.3 to 103.5 TCID50 per 0.1 ml., with most between 101.7 and 102.7 TCID50 per 0.1 ml. In specimens from children with a clinical illness or history suggestive of cytomegalic inclusion disease, titration results ranged from 101.5 to greater than 105.5 TCID50 per 0.1 ml., with the highest titers seen in specimens collected during the first weeks of life. A slow loss of infectivity (5 to 10 day half-life) was observed at 4° C. in six urine specimens to which only an antibiotic suspension had been added. Sorbitol added to the urine had some effect in reducing the loss of infectivity, especially in specimens frozen at -20° C. Urine specimens stored for days to weeks at 4° C. may be of significant value in the virologic study of children with cytomegalo-virus infection. © 1968 The C. V. Mosby Company.