To analyze persistent infection by human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in viv
o, specimens obtained from various sources and autopsied organs were e
xamined for the presence of HCMV DNA, mRNA transcripts and antigens by
polymerase chain reaction, in situ hybridization and immunostaining.
The HCMV genome was detected in lung, liver, kidney, and blood vessels
at an average positive rate of 15%. The highest PCR-positive rate was
observed with cervical smears. Subsequent examination of uterus tissu
es from patients with myoma revealed HCMV transcripts and antigens in
glandular epithelial cells, leukocytes, endothelial cells, and others,
indicating productive HCMV infection of cervical tissue.