Cytomegalovirus infections in renal allograft recipients: correlative studies with histocompatibility antigens.

We studied 32 renal allograft recipients in order to determine whether or not any correlation could be demonstrated between the HLA and development of cytomegalovirus infection. There was a positive stastical correlation (P less than 0.01) of the development of cytomegaloviraemia and the number of HLA antigens mismatched in the recipient. There was no correlation between specific HLA antigens and predisposition to develop cytomegalovirus infection. The implication of our observations with regard to the pathogenesis of cytomegalovirus infection in renal allograft recipients is discussed.