Transmission of cytomegalovirus infection in mice by skin graft.

Transmission of infectious disease, including virus, by allogeneic tissue transplants is a major clinical concern. The present study provided evidence for the transfer of murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) by syngeneic and allogeneic skin grafts transplanted immediately after harvest from acutely infected donor mice. Transfer of MCMV also occurred following skin grafting with cryopreserved syngeneic skin. Recipients of infected skin were first positive for MCMV between 9 and 15 days post transplant, and MCMV was continually detectable through day 30. These results suggest that fresh or banked skin may serve as a source for transmission of cytomegalovirus infections.