Postpartum cytomegalovirus infection. A hazard of multiple transfusions

A patient whose postpartum course included the defibrination syndrome and Bacteroides septicemia developed recurrent high fever. Cytomegalovirus infection was suspected on the basis of the clinical features and a history of massive blood transfusion, and was confirmed by subsequent observations. Recognition of this disease and its typically benign course averts the need for extensive diagnostic procedures, exploration, and empiric drug therapy trials.