Pathogenesis of ocular cytomegalovirus infection in the immunocompromised host

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Abstract
Balb/C nude and C.B‐17 SCID mice were inoculated with salivary gland passaged cytomegalovirus (SG‐MCMV) intraperitoneally. Dissemination of the virus in the systemic and ocular tissues was studied by the direct immunofluorescence test, and the virus growth in each tissue was titrated in mouse embryonic fibroblasts. The mode of viral spread was assessed by inhibiting macrophage function by silica and administering polyclonal murine anti‐MCMV antibody in the circulation. The virus first reached the eyelid, conjunctiva, and cornea. Subsequently, it spread in the outer ocular muscles and chorioretinal layer. Ocular tissues were involved as part of a generalized infection. Abrogation of macrophage function by silica did not affect the outcome of the viral distribution. Administration of antibody prior to and 3 days after the viral infection prevented virus dissemination. Ocular CMV infection occurred initially at the anterior segment of the eye in an immunocompromised host. Free virus, not macrophage‐bound virus, disseminated via the bloodstream. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.