Antibodies against -globulin after blood transfusion and cytomegalovirus-infection.

Antibodies against γ-globulin were demonstrated by means of a modified Waaler–Rose test and the latex fixation test in sera of seven out of twelve patients with post-transfusion cytomegalovirus (CMV)-mononucleosis. In one patient the appearance of the antibodies seemed to coincide with an additional infection with Epstein-Barr virus. In most of the others a close time-relationship was shown to exist between the appearance of antibodies against γ-globulin and CMV-antibodies, especially those of the IgM class. Most positive sera were collected from 35 to 42 days after transfusion. Sera, taken in this period, contained anti-γ-globulin antibodies in six out of eight patients. The antibodies were also detected in two out of ten control persons during the same period after transfusion. These two persons were subsequently shown to have a CMV-infection. All patients with CMV-mononucleosis and the two positive control persons had IgM CMV-antibodies in significant amounts, unlike the remaining eight control persons. Results of investigations for some other antibodies are discussed in the light of possible mechanisms for the development of anti-γ-globulin antibodies. It is concluded that CMV-infection can play a role in the appearance of the latter after blood transfusion.