Rapid detection of cytomegalovirus using immune scanning electron microscopy.

Monoclonal antibodies, specific for human cytomegalovirus, were conjugated to latex microspheres that were already labelled with rabbit anti-mouse immunoglobulin. The beads were then incubated with serum or urine from patients, and then collected on a filter surface, which was analyzed in a scanning electron microscope. Size, immunological specificity, and relative quantity of virus particles were determined within 2 h after serum or urine collection by the visualization of virus particles specifically bound to the latex-bead surface. No such binding of virus particles was detected in the various controls. This method was compared with conventional virus isolation by tissue culture. It enables identification of viruses within a few hours in different body fluids. Even without specific antibodies, the filtration method may permit the rapid detection of particles and the determination of their size in various body fluids.