Within the framework of prevention of cytomegalovirus (CMV) transmission from infected kidney donors to non-infected recipients the author investigates as a matter of routine latent CMV infection by assessing the presence of serum IgG against pp150 CMV. Antibodies against this phosphoprotein of the viral matrix are found in more than 80% of haemodialyzed patients, i.e. potential recipients of kidneys (in our group 168 of 208 patients). During repeated examinations of 168 patients, positive as regards IgG against pp150 CMV, the author observed in 18 (11%) a temporary change to negativity. At the time of absence of serum IgG against pp150 CMV, however, in all patients except one serum IgG and/or IgG against some of the CMV antigen spectrum was found in the fibroblasts infected with cytomegalovirus. Specific IgM is an indicator of a change of the CMV infection from the latent to the active phase. The temporary loss of IgG against pp150 CMV may be an associated phenomenon.

Keywords: Antibodies, Viral /analysis/; Cytomegalovirus /immunology/; Humans; Immunoglobulin G /analysis/; Renal Dialysis