Anti-CMV susceptibility assay developed. (cytomegalovirus) (Cornell University)

DATELINE: Cornell University

A susceptibility test of cytomegalovirus blood isolates using shell vial assay methodology appears to produce susceptibility results within days after primary isolation, according to a report from researchers at New York's Cornell University Hospital.

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a severe complication in transplant patients and those with AIDS. The widespread use of ganciclovir and foscarnet in the treatment of CMV has resulted in ever increasing resistance to these two agents.

"Antiviral susceptibility testing of this cell -associated slow-growing virus has been time-consuming and difficult to perform," …