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[Detection of early cytomegalovirus antigen in cell culture]
Abstract:
The reference technique for the diagnosis of active cytomegalovirus infection is the isolation in cellular culture. Its major drawback is the interval between the inoculation of the sample and the development of the characteristic cytopathic effect. Occasionally, this delay may be longer than four weeks. The centrifugation of the sample on the cell monolayer at the time of inoculation and the use of a fluorescein-labeled monoclonal antibody for the detection of the early antigen in cells may considerable reduce the time required for the diagnosis of cytomegalovirus infection. In the present study the technique of detection of the early antigen by immunofluorescence was compared with conventional cell culture in 258 clinical samples referred to the laboratory for study. Fifty-one of them were positive: 28 with both techniques, 12 only with cell culture and 11 only with immunofluorescence. The mean time to obtain positive results was 25 hours for immunofluorescence and 13 days for culture.
Insights
Rapid immunofluorescence detection of early cytomegalovirus (CMV) antigens offers a significant time advantage over traditional cell culture for diagnosing active CMV infections. This method provides results in approximately 25 hours versus 13 days for culture.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Medical Diagnostics
- Immunology
Background:
- Conventional cell culture is the gold standard for diagnosing active cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection.
- Cell culture diagnosis has a significant drawback due to the long incubation period, sometimes exceeding four weeks.
- Faster diagnostic methods are crucial for timely patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the diagnostic speed and accuracy of early antigen detection by immunofluorescence with conventional cell culture for cytomegalovirus.
- To evaluate the utility of immunofluorescence assay in reducing diagnostic time for CMV infections.
Main Methods:
- The study involved 258 clinical samples tested for cytomegalovirus.
- Immunofluorescence assay using fluorescein-labeled monoclonal antibodies to detect early CMV antigens was employed.
- Results were compared against conventional cell culture, with sample centrifugation on cell monolayers at inoculation.
Main Results:
- Out of 258 samples, 51 were positive for cytomegalovirus.
- Immunofluorescence detected 39 positive cases (28 shared with culture, 11 unique).
- Mean time to positive results was 25 hours for immunofluorescence versus 13 days for cell culture.
Conclusions:
- Immunofluorescence detection of early CMV antigens is significantly faster than conventional cell culture.
- This rapid diagnostic technique can substantially reduce the time to diagnose active cytomegalovirus infections.
- The immunofluorescence method offers a valuable alternative for quicker CMV diagnosis in clinical settings.