Case report: cytomegalovirus primoinfection may be associated with severe outcome in burns

C Augris1, M Benyamina, F Rozenberg

  • 1Burns Centre, Cochin Hospital, University Paris 5, Paris, France.

Insights

Severe cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection can be fatal in burn patients. Monitoring and prevention strategies, including using skin allografts and blood products for seronegative patients, are crucial for managing this risk.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Burn Medicine
  • Virology

Background:

  • Burn patients exhibit immunodeficiency, increasing susceptibility to opportunistic infections.
  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a potential pathogen in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Unexplained fever in burn patients warrants investigation into viral etiologies like CMV.

Observation:

  • Two cases of severe primary CMV infection were observed in critically burned patients.
  • CMV infection was suspected as a contributing factor to the fatal outcomes in both cases.

Findings:

  • Cytomegalovirus primoinfection poses a significant threat to severely burned patients.
  • The viral infection may have played a role in the mortality of the reported cases.

Implications:

  • Implementing CMV monitoring and prevention strategies is vital for high-risk burn patients.
  • Prophylactic measures such as using CMV-screened skin allografts and blood products for seronegative patients are recommended.
  • Early recognition and management of CMV are essential to improve outcomes in burn care.

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...
Myocarditis III: Medical Management01:14

Myocarditis III: Medical Management

Myocarditis: Comprehensive Medical ManagementMyocarditis, the heart muscle inflammation, requires a comprehensive medical management strategy that addresses the underlying cause, provides supportive care, manages symptoms, and reduces cardiac workload.Infections and Autoimmune CausesAdminister appropriate antimicrobial therapy when an infectious agent causes myocarditis. For instance, penicillin treats infections caused by Group A Streptococcus. In cases where autoimmune processes are...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Chickenpox01:20

Chickenpox

Chickenpox is an acute, highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the Herpesviridae family. Its transmission occurs primarily through the inhalation of respiratory droplets or direct contact with vesicular fluid from skin lesions. The incubation period typically ranges from 10 to 21 days, during which the virus replicates and disseminates through sequential phases within the host. Although generally self-limiting in children,...
Genital Herpes01:23

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection primarily caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), though herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is increasingly implicated in genital infections, particularly among younger populations. Transmission occurs mainly through sexual contact, with asymptomatic viral shedding serving as a major route of spread. This characteristic makes HSV-2 difficult to control at a population level, as individuals may unknowingly transmit the virus even in the...
Burn Injuries01:22

Burn Injuries

Burn injuries occur when the skin and underlying tissues are damaged due to exposure to heat, electricity, chemicals, radiation, or friction. They can vary in severity, from minor superficial burns to severe deep burns that can be life-threatening.
The damage results in the death of skin cells, which can lead to a massive loss of fluid. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and renal and circulatory failure follow, which can be fatal. Burn patients are treated with intravenous fluids to offset...