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Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Use of In vivo Imaging to Monitor the Progression of Experimental Mouse Cytomegalovirus Infection in Neonates
Published on: July 6, 2013
[Cytomegalovirus-induced colitis in an immunocompetent old patient]
Barbara Fleischer1, Jochen Morgenthaler, Günther Tippel
1Medizinische Klinik, Diakonissen-Stiftungs-Krankenhaus Speyer gGmbH, Speyer. barbara.fleischer@diakonissen-speyer.de
Background:
The cytomegalovirus (CMV) causes multiple diseases in patients with immunodeficiency. Also in patients with chronic inflammatory bowel disease, superinfections with CMV are known. Reactivation or infection is possible in rare cases in immunocompetent patients. CMV-induced colitis should be considered a differential diagnosis especially in patients suffering from diarrhea or bloody stools.
Case Report:
The case of an 87-year-old patient with severe colitis is reported, who did not suffer from chronic inflammatory bowel disease nor from immunodeficiency. The most important hint came from the pathologist. The clinical outcome under antiviral therapy with ganciclovir was good.
Conclusion:
Even in immunocompetent patients, CMV-induced colitis should be taken into consideration, especially in elderly people.
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