Detection of cytomegalovirus by a rapid culture system: a comparison of monoclonal antibodies in a clinical setting.

A monoclonal antibody cocktail, directed against immediate early antigens of cytomegalovirus, was assessed in a rapid culture system for detection of CMV (DEAFF) in clinical samples. The antibody cocktail was shown to be equivalent in sensitivity and specificity to our currently used monoclonal antibody. A comparison of DEAFF (using either monoclonal preparation) and conventional cell culture shows that DEAFF detects a smaller proportion of CMV positive samples from those receiving antiviral chemotherapy. The reasons for the discrepancies observed between these techniques are discussed.