Complete replication of human cytomegalovirus in explants of first trimester human placenta

Tissue integrity and viability of first trimester placenta explants were ob tained in culture for 3 weeks. Explants were infected with human cytomegalo virus (HCMV), several cycles of HCMV replication were obtained and the prog ression of the infection was observed within a tissue that maintains its no rmal cellular organization. In agreement with recent clinical data, 3 weeks were necessary for the virus to colonize the placenta fully. Complete HCMV replication was observed in trophoblasts, followed by subsequent transmiss ion of the infection to the stromal fibroblasts and fetal endothelial capil lary cells. Viral DNA replication was monitored and the production of infec tious viral progeny documented. J. Med. Virol. 64:499-504, 2001. (C) 2001 W iley-Liss, Inc.