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Cytomegalovirus infections in the human population
Abstract:
Diagnostic and clinical experience gained in the period from 1966--1977 is summarized. Cytomegalovirus was isolated from 35 sucklings and 5 infants aged more than 1 year as well as from necropsy materials from 10 sucklings. The most frequently involved were the respiratory tract (77.8%), liver (53.5%) and haematopoetic apparatus (42.2%). Congenital defects were found in 22.2%. The incidence in the population varied from 20% in sucklings to 50--60% in persons aged over 40 years. The incidence of infection was higher in sucklings and infants in nurseries. Out of 37 adult patients with kidney transplantation, the virus was isolated from 10 (27%) and complement-fixing antibodies were found in 34 (91%) patients.
Insights
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections were diagnosed in infants and adults, with high rates in nurseries and kidney transplant patients. Respiratory and liver involvement were most common in infants.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pediatrics
- Immunology
Background:
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common human herpesvirus with significant implications for infant health.
- Congenital CMV infection can lead to severe health issues in newborns.
- CMV reactivation or primary infection is a concern in immunocompromised individuals, such as transplant recipients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize diagnostic and clinical experiences with Cytomegalovirus infections from 1966 to 1977.
- To determine the incidence and affected organs in infants with CMV.
- To assess CMV prevalence and serological evidence in adult kidney transplant patients.
Main Methods:
- Virus isolation from clinical samples (infants) and necropsy materials (infants).
- Clinical data collection and analysis of congenital defects.
- Serological testing for complement-fixing antibodies in kidney transplant recipients.
- Incidence rate calculation in different age groups and settings.
Main Results:
- CMV was isolated from 35 infants and 10 necropsy cases; common sites were respiratory tract (77.8%), liver (53.5%), and hematopoietic system (42.2%).
- Congenital defects were observed in 22.2% of infected infants.
- Population incidence ranged from 20% in infants to 50-60% in those over 40; higher rates were noted in nurseries.
- In kidney transplant patients, CMV was isolated from 27% and 91% had antibodies.
Conclusions:
- CMV poses a significant diagnostic and clinical challenge in infants, particularly affecting the respiratory and hepatic systems.
- Congenital CMV infection is associated with developmental abnormalities.
- High seroprevalence and isolation rates in transplant patients underscore the importance of CMV monitoring in immunocompromised populations.