[Historical outlook on cytomegalovirus research]

In historical point of view, cytomegalovirus (CMV) research could be divided into two phases, before and after discovery of the virus from a baby with severe jaundice. CMV is an ubiquitous virus which makes it difficult to diagnose CMV diseases. Therefore criteria for definite CMV disease has been proposed by the expert committee. Basic research is concentrating on analysis of functional map of the sequences, which helps to develop more genetically engineered vaccine and clarify the mechanism of latency of CMV. I hope increased awareness of CMV disease in organ transplantation advances the development of both chemotherapy and preventive method in near future.