Neutralization kinetic studies with genital cytomegalovirus isolates, an antigenically variable group

Antisera were prepared in rabbits against four low-passage genital isolates, and against two established strains of human cytomegalovirus. With these sera, and seven strains of virus, 42 virus-antisera combinations were examined by kinetic neutralization procedures, and NK-values derived. No evidence accrued indicating that the five genital isolates constituted an antigenically distinct group. The findings support the view that the human cytomegaloviruses are antigenically heterogeneous, with different strains reflecting an antigenic mosaic, the elements of which are present in varying amounts.