Cytomegalovirus Retinitis in Immunocompetent Young Male

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is a sight-threatening form of posterior uveitis affecting patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), especially those with CD4 count <50 cells/mm3. There are few reported cases of CMV retinitis in patients with CD4 count >100 cells/mm3. Avirostatic agent like Ganciclovir has good response rate when given as intravitreal injection. Here, we report a case of CMV retinitis in a young immunocompetent male who presented with history of progressive loss of vision in both eyes despite receiving oral and intra-vitreal steroids. At the time of diagnostic testing, there was no history of high dose immunosuppressant therapy. CMV infection was confirmed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for viral deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) testing. Physicians treating such cases should take into account infectious causes of retinal vasculitis before starting anti-inflammatory therapy. Proper diagnosis should precede the treatment as far as possible.