Immunosuppression reactivates and disseminates latent murine cytomegalovirus.

When searched for by standard virological methods, murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) becomes undetectable by 4 months after inoculation of mice. However, a 2-week regimen of immunosuppression with antilymphocyte serum and corticosteroid results in reactivation and dissemination of the virus in virtually all animals. This system should be useful in defining the pathogenesis of generalized cytomegalic disease resulting from reactivation of latent virus in immunocompromised individuals.