[Detection of cytomegaloviruses using monoclonal antibodies in aspiration biopsy material of kidney transplants].

In 56 kidney transplant recipients 93 specimens from transplant aspiration biopsy and peripheral blood were examined on the presence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) using the monoclonal antibody (mab) H 11. The used mab H 11 did react safe and exclusive in the acute infection period with the virus antigen. This antigen detection makes possible the laboratory diagnosis of a CMV infection 11 days (median value) prior to detection of specific IgM antibodies. In comparison with the cytological evaluation of fine needle aspiration biopsy the rejection process could be differentiated from infection.