Pneumonitis in human cytomegalovirus infection.
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a beta herpes virus with a double stranded DNA genome of 240kbp. The virus is prevalent and establishes a latent infection in most adults. HCMV is an opportunistic pathogen for patients with impaired cellular immunity. HCMV pneumonia is a common presentation of HCMV disease in immunocompromised patients. The incidence of HCMV pneumonitis can be as high as 90% in lung transplant recipients. This paper takes a fresh look at the challenging perspectives of molecular, immunologic, cellular, diagnostic, clinical, and therapeutic characteristics of HCMV infection as future targets for development of antiviral strategies.
Langhoff
Erik
E
James J. Peters VA Medical Center, 130 West Kingsbridge Road, Bronx, NY 10468, USA. erik.langhoff@med.va.gov
Siegel
Robert E
RE