Cytomegalovirus. A common virus causing serious disease.
BACKGROUND
Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a herpes virus that causes severe illness and death in people whose immune systems are compromised, including organ and bone marrow transplant recipients, HIV infected people, those on immunosuppressive drugs and newborns infected during pregnancy.


OBJECTIVE
This article aims to present a clear guide to diagnosis and treatment of CMV in at risk patients in the community.


CONCLUSIONS
Cytomegalovirus is a common infection in the community, but diagnosis is often seen as difficult. The use of careful clinical assessment tests and a clear diagnostic algorithm can provide appropriate diagnosis in most immunocompromised patients, pregnant women and newborns with CMV. Treatment strategies and available antivirals are improving, complementing the advances made with diagnostic techniques and algorithms.
South Eastern Sydney Area Health Service, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney Children's Hospital, Royal Hospital for Women, Faculties of Medicine and Science, University of New South Wales. w.rawlinson@unsw.edu.au
William
W
Rawlinson
Gillian
G
Scott
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D002353:Carrier State; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003587:Cytomegalovirus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D015994:Incidence; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; D008297:Male; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods; D011247:Pregnancy; D011379:Prognosis; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D017678:Sex Distribution
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D004279:DNA, Viral