[Value of the detection of serum anti-cytomegalovirus antibodies applied to the diagnosis of recent infection].

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a major cause of morbidity in immunodepressed patients: the diagnosis is based on the demonstration of CMV viraemia and/or specific IgM and/or a significant rise in antibody titres. This study was undertaken to compare the diagnostic value of these parameters. Eighteen patients with the AIDS and CMV infection were investigated; CMV viraemia was demonstrated in 87 p. 100 and specific IgM in 23 p. 100 of cases; in 24 patients followed up for 4 months after bone marrow transplantation viraemia was demonstrated in 70 p. 100 and IgM in 54 p. 100 of cases; however, the detection of IgM was often late. In contrast, specific IgM is frequently detected in CMV infection of non-immunodepressed patients.