[Cytomegalovirus infection in 32 children (author's transl)]

Thirty-two cases of cytomegalovirus infection are reviewed; 13 were congenital, 19 acquired. The clinical aspects of evolution and manifestation of the disease, agree with those described in other series. Virological diagnosis was based on isolating the virus from either urine or pharynx (or both) and culturing in pulmonary fibroblasts from human embryo. To obtain optimum results, fresh specimens must be used. Although several techniques are available for CMV antibody measurement, immunofluorescence is the technique of choice. Clinical manifestations differ according to age and immunological status of the patient. Late manifestations of congenital infection, monosymptomatic forms and acquired forms of the disease are at present of great interest. Importance of establishing diagnosis through virological isolation whenever a cytomegalovirus infection is suspected, is underlined.