Cytomegalovirus infection historical perspective

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.

• 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]