Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 29, 2026

Automated Cell Enrichment of Cytomegalovirus-specific T cells for Clinical Applications using the Cytokine-capture System
10:24

Automated Cell Enrichment of Cytomegalovirus-specific T cells for Clinical Applications using the Cytokine-capture System

Published on: October 5, 2015

Ganciclovir for severe cytomegalovirus primary infection in an immunocompetent child

K Hadaya1, L Kaiser, L Rubbia-Brandt

  • 1Central Laboratory of Virology, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases : Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology
|February 10, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Severe cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease in an immunocompetent child resolved with ganciclovir. Antiviral therapy may benefit select pediatric CMV cases.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Virology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that can cause severe illness in infants.
  • Primary CMV infection in immunocompetent children is typically asymptomatic or mild.
  • Severe CMV disease requiring hospitalization is rare in immunocompetent children.

Observation:

  • A previously healthy 17-month-old girl presented with severe CMV disease.
  • Symptoms included prolonged fever and hepatitis, necessitating hospitalization.
  • The patient received short-term intravenous ganciclovir treatment.

Findings:

  • Ganciclovir treatment led to immediate and sustained symptom resolution.
  • CMV viremia significantly decreased following antiviral therapy.
  • The patient experienced a full recovery.

Implications:

  • This case suggests that antiviral therapy, such as ganciclovir, can be effective for severe primary CMV infections in immunocompetent children.
  • It highlights the importance of considering antiviral treatment in select pediatric cases presenting with severe CMV manifestations.
  • Further research may explore the criteria for selecting immunocompetent children who would benefit from ganciclovir therapy.

More Related Videos

Generation of Multivirus-specific T Cells to Prevent/treat Viral Infections after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant08:52

Generation of Multivirus-specific T Cells to Prevent/treat Viral Infections after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant

Published on: May 27, 2011

Expanding Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes from Umbilical Cord Blood that Target Cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr Virus, and Adenovirus11:18

Expanding Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes from Umbilical Cord Blood that Target Cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr Virus, and Adenovirus

Published on: May 7, 2012

Related Concept Videos

Cytomegalovirus Disease01:27

Cytomegalovirus Disease

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Antiviral Nucleoside Inhibitors01:22

Antiviral Nucleoside Inhibitors

Antiviral Nucleoside InhibitorsAntiviral nucleoside inhibitors are structural analogs of natural nucleosides that interfere with viral DNA or RNA synthesis. These compounds selectively target viral polymerases due to their resemblance to host nucleosides, thereby disrupting viral genome replication.Mechanism of Acyclovir ActionAcyclovir is a guanosine analog with a three-carbon acyclic side chain. It selectively targets herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2),...
Genital Herpes01:23

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection primarily caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), though herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is increasingly implicated in genital infections, particularly among younger populations. Transmission occurs mainly through sexual contact, with asymptomatic viral shedding serving as a major route of spread. This characteristic makes HSV-2 difficult to control at a population level, as individuals may unknowingly transmit the virus even in the...
Antifungal Agents01:15

Antifungal Agents

Amphotericin B is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent that exploits structural differences between fungal and mammalian cell membranes. Its amphipathic structure—featuring a hydrophobic polyene-lactone ring and a hydrophilic region containing mycosamine and carboxylic acid groups—enables selective binding to ergosterol, a sterol predominantly found in fungal plasma membranes. This selective interaction underlies the drug’s antifungal activity, although weak binding to cholesterol contributes to...
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Cytolytic Reactions01:01

Hypersensitivity Reactions: Cytolytic Reactions

Type II hypersensitivity involves IgG and IgM antibodies targeting cell surface antigens, leading to cell destruction. This can occur through complement activation, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), or acting as opsonins for phagocytosis. When excessive, these reactions cause significant tissue damage.Drug-induced hemolytic anemia is a common example, where drugs like penicillin or cephalosporins bind to red blood cells, forming drug-protein complexes. These complexes...