Cytomegalovirus induced hepatitis in an immunocompetent host

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is most commonly sub clinical. In the immunocompromised host, primary CMV infection, reactivation and re-infection are all associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The clinical presentation of CMV infection in immunocompromised host varies according to the degree of immunocompromisation and to host factors. Populations at greatest risk of CMV infection and disease include individuals with HIV infection, transplant recipients, cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and burn patients. In the immunocompetent adult, primary CMV infection is usually asymptomatic but can result in a mononucleosis syndrome. The clinical course of the infection is usually mild, although a small percentage of patients suffer from protracted and severe fever. CMV infection in immunocompetent hosts may rarely be able to lead to severe organ specific complications. Most cases of CMV induced hepatitis occur in adults with severe immune deficiency. Only a few cases involving immunocompetent patients have been reported. But majority of the cases are anicteric or mildly icteric. Severe hepatitis is an uncommon presentation. We describe the first case reported in Bangladesh, of Cytomegalovirus induced severe hepatitis in an immunocompetent patient. The case was improved without the use of antiviral therapy.