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Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Xenograft Skin Model to Manipulate Human Immune Responses In Vivo
Published on: June 29, 2022
Human cytomegalovirus load in fresh and glycerolized skin grafts
Sara Astegiano1, Francesca Sidoti, Cristina Costa
1Virology Unit, University Hospital San Giovanni Battista di Torino, Turin, Italy.
Abstract:
This study evaluated the detection of Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV)-DNA in donors' skin samples. HCMV-DNA was quantified in 100 skin specimens, including 50 fresh samples and as many corresponding glycerol-preserved specimens by a home-made Real Time PCR. HCMV-DNA was detected in 19/50 (38%) fresh specimens and 23/50 (46%) glycerol-preserved (p = n.s.). Nevertheless, the mere detection of HCMV-DNA does not imply the presence of infectious virions and therefore does not imply a risk of HCMV transmission, as treatment with glycerol is particularly efficacious in inactivating viral particles. Therefore, HCMV serology confirms its pivotal role in the setting of skin grafting.

