Perspectives for the control of cytomegalovirus infections in bone marrow transplant recipients

The data indicating that seronegative recipients are the high-risk group suggest the possible usefulness of pooled serum or immune globulin high in CMV antibody titer administered during the period after transplantation. Such injections could continue through the entire period of increased susceptibility to CMV infection, being given monthly for the first 4-6 mth following transplant. It is possible that such transient antibody levels would only delay the onset of severe CMV infection or not be protective. However, in the authors' view, the possibility of a useful effect suggests the need for a controlled trial. This seems to be the most feasible study to undertake with current data considered.