Detection of specific IgA antibodies in serum of kidney transplant patients with recurrent cytomegalovirus infection.

59 sera of 10 immunosuppressed renal allograft recipients who experienced recurrent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for CMV IgA antibodies and by the complement-fixation (CF) test. A significant rise of CF titer was evident 4-53 weeks post-transplantation. 9 patients produced CMV IgA in high titers at about the time of CF antibody rise was observed. 1 patient did not produce IgA antibodies to CMV. In 3 of the 9 patients, specific CMV IgA antibodies were detected before the rise if CF titer was demonstrated. CMV IgA antibodies were found to persist for as long as 6 weeks post-transplantation. The potential application of ELISA detection of CMV-specific IgA antibodies as an early indication of CMV infection in kidney transplant patients is discussed.