[Serological methods proposed for the determination of immune status with regard to cytomegaloviruses]

The detection of CMV antibodies is the only routine method available for differentiating seronegative donors who cannot transmit CMV infection from seropositive donors who are latent carriers and who may transmit the infection by blood transfusion or transplant operations. The validity of this selection depends on the sensitivity and specificity of the method used. We compared the results of 46 serums by the following five tests known for their sensitivity: the indirect haemagglutination test, the latex agglutination test (CMV Scan, Becton-Dickinson); two ELISA tests (Enzygnost anti-Cytomegalovirus-Behring; the Abbott CMV total AB EIA), and the IgG CMV Immunocapture Wellcome. The causes of the discrepancies observed in 7 sera are discussed.