In vitro CMV-infection model in fresh and glycerolized skin graft

Viral infections, especially cytomegalovirus (CMV), are a cause of death in burned patients. Aim of this study was to perform an in vitro CMV-infection model comparing fresh and glycerol-treated fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Cells were plated in plates for the two conditions. Each plate was set up with CMV dilutions. Immunofluorescence and real time PCR assays were performed. The assays were negative in both fresh and glycerolized keratinocytes. For fibroblasts, CMV-DNA was positive in both conditions and immunofluorescence test only in fresh cells. Glycerol at 85% confirms its strong virucidal effect as reported also for other viruses.