title: Ganciclovir treatment of systemic cytomegalovirus in an immunocompetent host.
abstract: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infects a significant number of otherwise healthy individuals. Although most cases are subclinical and therefore not diagnosed, some patients present with a mononucleosis-type illness. Ganciclovir, an agent effective against CMV, has primarily been studied for use in immunocompromised patients. No formal studies have been done in immunocompetent individuals. We report a case of an otherwise healthy adult female with severe heterophile negative infectious mononucleosis. Her symptoms included high fever, malaise, myalgias, cough, and abdominal pain. Work-up revealed an acute CMV infection. Intravenous ganciclovir was given with dramatic clinical and laboratory improvement.
authors.affiliation: Oklahoma City Clinic, USA.
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Leman
authors.forename: T W
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Toalson
authors.forename: C G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Wlodaver
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D015774:Ganciclovir / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007121:Immunocompetence
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D015774:Ganciclovir