[Cytomegalovirus infection and immunodeficiency]

The results of detailed clinical, hematological, immunological, and virological investigations of a female patient who within 16 months after hemotransfusion acutely developed a long-term disease with a undulant course accompanied by high fever, lymphadenopathy, hepatolienal syndrome, stomatitis, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia, are presented. Significant disorders in cell-mediated and humoral immunity were detected. Cytomegalovirus was isolated from the urine and saliva. The pathogenetic role of cytomegalovirus in the development and course of the disease is evaluated, and its etiological importance is discussed on a broader scale with regard to a possible association with retroviruses.