Cytomegalovirus infection in immunocompetent patients

Symptoms associated with cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in immunocompetent patients are not well documented. From December 1998 through June 2001, serum samples obtained from 7630 patients in Cambridge and Chelmsford, United Kingdom, were tested for CMV immunoglobulin M. CMV immunoglobulin G avidity was used to confirm CMV infection. A total of 124 patients (106 patients treated by general practitioners [GPs] and 18 hospitalized patients) with CMV infection were identified. The most frequent symptoms were malaise (67%), fever (46%), and sweats (46%), and the most frequent finding was abnormal liver function test results (69%). Twelve percent of patients had a relapsing illness, and many had symptoms that lasted for up to 32 weeks (mean duration of symptoms, 7.8 weeks). GPs reported that there was a significant benefit in making the diagnosis of CMV infection; it provided reassurance and avoided the need for further investigations. We have identified symptoms associated with CMV infection in immunocompetent patients who present to GPs or who are admitted to the hospital.