Cytogenetic modifications induced in human diploid cells by mixed infection with measles and cytomegalic virus.

Chromosome alterations induced in human diploid cells by separate or mixed infection with measles and cytomegalic virus were analyzed. Chromosome changes characteristic of each virus could be made evident in the case of the mixed infection. Of particular interest are the cytogenetic alterations associated with syncytium formation, both in separate measles virus infection and in the mixed one. The cytogenetic consequences of premature chromosome condensation, of the synchronism in division of polykaryocyte nuclei, of chromosome contraction and pyknosis are discussed.