Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 22, 2026

Use of In vivo Imaging to Monitor the Progression of Experimental Mouse Cytomegalovirus Infection in Neonates
05:53

Use of In vivo Imaging to Monitor the Progression of Experimental Mouse Cytomegalovirus Infection in Neonates

Published on: July 6, 2013

[Indirect effects of cytomegalovirus infection]

Juan José Castón Osorio1, Felipe Zurbano Goñi

  • 1Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital General Universitario de Ciudad Real, Ciudad Real, España. juanjoco2005@yahoo.es

Enfermedades Infecciosas Y Microbiologia Clinica
|May 1, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) remains a primary infection risk for solid organ transplant recipients, causing direct harm and indirect immune effects. CMV prophylaxis can reduce associated opportunistic infections and improve graft outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Transplant Medicine

Context:

  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a significant pathogen in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients.
  • Despite preventive measures, CMV infection remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in this population.
  • CMV infection presents direct effects (viral syndrome, organ disease) and indirect immunological consequences.

Purpose:

  • To review the direct and indirect effects of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in solid organ transplant recipients.
  • To highlight the association between CMV and increased immunosuppression, opportunistic infections, malignancies, and graft dysfunction.
  • To discuss the impact of CMV prophylaxis on mitigating these adverse outcomes.

Summary:

  • CMV infection in SOT recipients leads to direct viral effects and indirect immunological alterations.
  • Indirect effects include heightened immunosuppression, increasing risks of opportunistic infections, Epstein-Barr virus-associated posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disease, and graft dysfunction.
  • While direct causality is complex, strong associations exist between CMV and these indirect effects, with prophylaxis showing benefit.

Impact:

  • Understanding CMV's indirect effects is crucial for optimizing SOT recipient care.
  • CMV prophylaxis strategies can mitigate severe complications, improving patient survival and graft longevity.
  • Further research into the mechanisms linking CMV and indirect effects may reveal novel therapeutic targets.

More Related Videos

Intracerebroventricular and Intravascular Injection of Viral Particles and Fluorescent Microbeads into the Neonatal Brain05:51

Intracerebroventricular and Intravascular Injection of Viral Particles and Fluorescent Microbeads into the Neonatal Brain

Published on: July 24, 2016

qPCR Is a Sensitive and Rapid Method for Detection of Cytomegaloviral DNA in Formalin-fixed, Paraffin-embedded Biopsy Tissue08:08

qPCR Is a Sensitive and Rapid Method for Detection of Cytomegaloviral DNA in Formalin-fixed, Paraffin-embedded Biopsy Tissue

Published on: July 9, 2014

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...
Immunodeficiency Diseases01:25

Immunodeficiency Diseases

Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response01:27

Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response

Cytotoxic T cells are a vital component of the immune system. They have the remarkable ability to identify and target antigens on infected or abnormal cells. These antigens often originate from intracellular pathogens such as viruses or abnormal proteins cancer cells produce.
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis01:30

Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis

Protein synthesis is indispensable for viral replication, as viruses lack the cellular machinery required for this process and must hijack the host's translational apparatus. In response, host cells deploy a critical innate immune defense involving interferons, specialized cytokines that play a central role in inhibiting viral propagation.Upon viral detection, infected cells release interferons that bind to receptors on adjacent uninfected cells, activating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and...
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology01:26

Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens01:29

Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens

The immune system's response to viral infections is a complex and coordinated process involving natural killer (NK) cells, T cell-mediated responses, and antibody-mediated responses.
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...