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Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.

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Cytomegalovirus infection historical perspective

Introduction

Overview

Overview

In 1881, Ribbert described the presence of inclusion bodies in the cells in sections of kidney of a still born. In 1960, Thomas H.Weller from Harvard University, coined the term “cytomegalovirus” and isolated the virus from the urine sample of an infant with generalized disease.

Historical Perspective

Historical Perspective

  • In 1881, Ribbert described the presence of inclusion bodies in the cells in sections of kidney of a still born and he described them as cells similar to protozoan cells with eccentrically placed nuclei and a “central nuclear body” surrounded by clear halo.[1][2]
  • In 1921, Goodpasture and Talbert were the first to suggest that these cell inclusions could be due to a viral agent.[3][4]
  • In 1950, Smith and Vellios reported that infection can occur in-utero.
  • In 1956-57 Weller, Smith and Rowe independently isolated CMV virus and grew it in culture.[5]
  • In 1960, Thomas H.Weller from Harvard University, coined the term “cytomegalovirus” and isolated the virus from the urine sample of an infant with generalized disease.[6]
References

References

  1. ↑ Farber S, Wolbach SB (1932). “Intranuclear and Cytoplasmic Inclusions (“Protozoan-Like Bodies”) in the Salivary Glands and Other Organs of Infants”. Am J Pathol. 8 (2): 123–136.3. PMC 2062662. PMID 19970004.
  2. ↑ Riley HD (1997). “History of the cytomegalovirus”. South Med J. 90 (2): 184–90. PMID 9042169.
  3. ↑ Ho, Monto (2007). “The history of cytomegalovirus and its diseases”. Medical Microbiology and Immunology. 197 (2): 65–73. doi:10.1007/s00430-007-0066-x. ISSN 0300-8584.
  4. ↑ WYATT JP, SAXTON J (1950). “Generalized cytomegalic inclusion disease”. J Pediatr. 36 (3): 271–94, illust. PMID 15405407.
  5. ↑ CRAIG JM, MACAULEY JC, WELLER TH, WIRTH P (1957). “Isolation of intranuclear inclusion producing agents from infants with illnesses resembling cytomegalic inclusion disease”. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med. 94 (1): 4–12. PMID 13400856.
  6. ↑ Weller TH (1970). “Review. Cytomegaloviruses: the difficult years”. J Infect Dis. 122 (6): 532–9. PMID 4321292.

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aravind Kuchkuntla, M.B.B.S[2]