Abstract
A trial of live, attenuated Towne strain CMV vaccine was undertaken in 21-34 yr. old healthy female nurses seronegative by complement fixation (CF) and anticomplement immunofluorescence (ACIF). Thus far, 10 nurses have been vaccinated with 103.5 pfu subcutaneously and followed for 6 mos (3) to 1 yr (7). After vaccination, they had serial exams, CBCs and chemistry profiles, and viral cultures of the throat, urine, cervix, and blood. They were tested for CF, ACIF, and neutralizing antibodies (NT) and for cell mediated immunity (CMI) by the lymphocyte proliferation assay. Although 9 nurses developed erythema and/or edema at the vaccination site, none had temperature ≥38.5°C, systemic illness, or persistent laboratory abnormalities. Antibodies (CF, ACIF, NT) appeared in 2-4 wks and peaked by 8 wks. Peak geometric mean titers were 1:39 CF, 1:97 ACIF, and 1:34 NT. Two patterns were observed in the 9 nurses followed for CMI. Eight nurses had an early (2-4 wks) and, in most cases, a late (26-39 wks) peak; 1 nurse had only a late peak. None of the women excreted CMV from any site. Towne strain CMV vaccine appears safe and immunogenic in preliminary trials among healthy women of child bearing age who may be at increased risk of exposure. (Supported by a grant from Merck, Sharp and Dohme and the Hassel Foundation.)
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Fleisher, G., Starr, S., Friedman, H. et al. 1004 VACCINATION OF PEDIATRIC NURSES WITH TOWNE STRAIN CYTOMEGALOVIRUS (CMV). Pediatr Res 15 (Suppl 4), 610 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-01030
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-01030