Demonstration of antigenic variation among isolates of human cytomegalovirus using monoclonal antibodies and indirect ELISA

An indirect ELISA was developed for the detection of antigenic differences between isolates of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) using a monoclonal antibody to an early (67 kDa) antigen. Antibody binding curves were analyzed using a microcomputer program (LISACRV) based on a nonlinear logistical model. The derivation of values for the average intrinsic association constant for seven isolates of HCMV and the prototype AD 169 strain revealed significant differences between them. Because of the importance of HCMV as a pathogen, especially in immunosuppressed and AIDS patients, further investigation of the biological significance of differences between isolates of HCMV is clearly warranted.