Cytomegalovirus: a cause of colonic stricture in a premature infant

Anjali Shetty1, Rosemary Barnes, Ed Lazda

  • 1University Hospital of Wales, Microbiology, Heath Park, Cardiff, United Kingdom. anjalishettyuk@yahoo.co.uk

Insights

Cytomegalovirus infection in infants can cause severe bowel obstruction. This rare neonatal condition requires consideration by clinicians to prevent serious complications.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatalogy
  • Gastroenterology
  • Virology

Background:

  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections are uncommon in neonates.
  • Gastrointestinal involvement in neonatal CMV is rare.

Observation:

  • A 27-week-old infant presented with symptoms of bowel obstruction upon initiation of full enteral feeds.
  • Surgical exploration revealed colonic strictures in the ascending and proximal transverse colon.
  • Histological examination of the resected colon showed Cytomegalovirus inclusion bodies.

Findings:

  • The infant's bowel obstruction was attributed to a Cytomegalovirus infection.
  • This case highlights a rare presentation of neonatal Cytomegalovirus affecting the gastrointestinal tract.

Implications:

  • Neonatologists and microbiologists should consider Cytomegalovirus as a potential cause of neonatal bowel obstruction.
  • Early diagnosis and management of neonatal GI CMV can prevent conditions mimicking necrotizing enterocolitis.

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...
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease01:29

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction01:30

Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction

Esophageal strictures involve abnormal narrowing or tightening of the esophagus. They vary in length and severity, ranging from mild constriction to complete obstruction, and are classified as benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
Bacterial Gastroenteritis01:18

Bacterial Gastroenteritis

Bacterial gastroenteritis, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, is often caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water and is frequently associated with pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. These microbes exploit two principal mechanisms to inflict disease.Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, also referred to as STEC—notably O157:H7—release Shiga toxins that target ribosomes, blocking protein synthesis. The B subunit of the toxin binds the host glycolipid receptor...
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management01:26

Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management

Patients with esophageal strictures often experience a range of symptoms. Initially, they may have difficulty swallowing solid foods, which can progress to include liquids. Additional symptoms may involve chest pain or discomfort, regurgitating food and fluids, heartburn, unintentional weight loss, coughing or choking during meals, and hoarseness.
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis01:23

Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis

Cystic fibrosis (CF), an autosomal recessive disorder, significantly affects the function of exocrine glands. This genetically inherited disease is characterized by the production of thick and sticky mucus, which can severely affect various organs and systems in the body.
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation, but...