Pulmonary involvement during cytomegalovirus infection in immunosuppressed patients

Transpl Infect Dis. 2003 Sep;5(3):112-20. doi: 10.1034/j.1399-3062.2003.00023.x.

Abstract

Although cytomegalovirus (CMV) pulmonary involvement after solid organ transplantation is infrequently seen nowadays, CMV pneumonitis is still a potential lethal complication. Introduction of the pp65 antigenemia assay enabled early and rapid diagnosis of CMV viremia in transplant patients prior to symptoms. Also, in asymptomatic patients with CMV viremia, a decreased pulmonary diffusion capacity could be demonstrated. In this review, we discuss clinical and subclinical pulmonary involvement of CMV infection in the immunocompromised host with an emphasis on transplant recipients. The clinical course, diagnosis, therapy, prophylaxis, and pathophysiology of CMV pneumonitis are discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cytomegalovirus / isolation & purification
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections* / diagnosis
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections* / drug therapy
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections* / physiopathology
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections* / virology
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host*
  • Mice
  • Organ Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Pneumonia, Viral* / diagnosis
  • Pneumonia, Viral* / drug therapy
  • Pneumonia, Viral* / physiopathology
  • Pneumonia, Viral* / virology

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents