The value of isolation procedures for cytomegalovirus infections in children with leukemia

Standard contagious isolation procedures were used for 83 patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia and serologic and/or cultural evidence of cytomegalovirus infection. The infection rate, as determined serologically, for 9 months before and 13 months during isolation procedures was not decreased. Since the techniques employed were not helpful in preventing infection with cytomegalovirus in the immunosuppressed host, they have been discontinued at this hospital.

Congenital cytomegalovirus infection: clinical, pathological and virological studies of two fatal cases

Two infants severely ill at birth as a result of congenital cytomegalovirus infection were born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in April and July 1968. Both died within seven weeks. Clinical, pathological and virological studies including serology and electron microscopy were made both before and after death. Cytomegalovirus was isolated in tissue culture from urine specimens from both infants during life and from organ tissues, blood and ascitic fluid after death. Large inclusion-bearing cells mixed with the erythrocytes and leukocytes were seen within the lumina of pulmonary blood vessels. A brief general discussion is presented of the various clinical manifestations of congenital cytomegalovirus infection and of the different serum antibody patterns found in these two pairs of mothers and infants.