Cytomegalovirus infection of the human gastrointestinal tract.
BACKGROUND
Current interest in cytomegalovirus (CMV) is largely due to an increase in the number of cases of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and organ transplantation in recent years. The proper recognition of CMV-infected cells in gastrointestinal mucosal biopsies is critical for effective treatment of this condition.


METHODS
A total of 6580 endoscopic mucosal biopsies from 6323 patients in the 8-year period (1989-1996) were examined for CMV inclusion bodies. The endoscopic appearance and particularly the presence of ulcers were also analysed.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) inclusions was 9 per thousand in the gastrointestinal mucosal biopsies from an unselected group of patients. Of the 54 patients with CMV infection, 37 were immunocompromised and 17 apparently immunocompetent. Typical Cowdry inclusions and atypical inclusions were present, the latter more frequently in immunocompromised patients. The maximum prevalence of inclusions was in the oesophageal mucosa in immunocompromised individuals.
Patra
S
S
Department of Gastrointestinal Sciences, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, Tamilnadu, India. wususama@hotmail.com
Samal
S C
SC
Chacko
A
A
Mathan
V I
VI
Mathan
M M
MM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001706:Biopsy; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003587:Cytomegalovirus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology*; D004066:Digestive System Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology*; D005260:Female; D005753:Gastric Mucosa / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D007181:Inclusion Bodies, Viral / Q000473:pathology; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure / Q000821:virology; D008264:Macrophages / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged