Immunological study of cytomegalovirus complement-fixing antibodies in the population of the CSR

The population from different regions of the CSR was examined serologically for the presence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) antibodies. Exclusively persons showing no signs of disease, chosen by random selection, were examined. The immunological survey was carried out by the complement fixation reaction with CMV antigen prepared in the laboratory from the international strain AD 169. The high incidence found in normal population is suggestive of a considerable dispersion of cytomegalovirus infection. The contact with the virus is followed by antibody response, manifested in most cases only subclinically and asymptomatically. The incidence of CMV antibodies increases with increasing age. In young age groups, antibodies were found in approximately 20%. The number of persons showing positive reactions increased gradually and in the oldest age groups antibodies were found in 70%. The significance of factors causing the incidence of cytomegalovirus antibodies in the population is discussed.