[CMV infection in HIV-infected patients]

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Infectious Diseases

Context:

• Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease significantly impacts individuals with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
• The advent of combination antiretroviral treatment (cART) has altered the landscape of HIV management and associated opportunistic infections.
• Understanding the evolving clinical picture of CMV disease in the context of cART is crucial for patient care.

Purpose:

• To describe the changes in the clinical presentation and epidemiology of CMV disease in HIV-infected individuals undergoing cART.
• To review diagnostic methods and therapeutic strategies for CMV end-organ disease and immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS).
• To discuss the risks associated with CMV viremia in HIV patients and evaluate preemptive therapy.

Summary:

• Significant reductions in CMV disease incidence and mortality have been observed since the introduction of cART.
• Despite treatment advances, CMV infection remains a concern in the HIV-positive population.
• The paper details clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and treatment options for CMV disease and associated IRIS, alongside risk assessment for disease progression and mortality.

Impact:

• The findings highlight the positive impact of cART on CMV disease outcomes in HIV patients.
• This review provides essential information for clinicians managing HIV and CMV co-infection.
• It underscores the continued need for vigilance and optimized management strategies for CMV in this vulnerable population.