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Updated: Aug 14, 2025

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

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Human Cytomegalovirus Infection and Cardiovascular Disease: Current Perspectives

Silvia Lee1,2,3, Jacquita Affandi4, Shelley Waters3

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Pathwest Laboratory Medicine, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.

Viral Immunology
|January 9, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection may drive cardiovascular disease by promoting atherosclerosis. This review examines recent evidence on HCMV

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Cardiology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infections are typically asymptomatic in healthy adults but can cause severe illness in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Associations between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and HCMV seropositivity are observed in older adults, yet the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent evidence (last 5 years) on the mechanisms by which HCMV contributes to atherosclerosis.
  • To discuss the link between HCMV infection and cardiovascular outcomes in high-burden populations.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of scientific literature published within the last five years.
  • Analysis of direct and indirect mechanisms of HCMV involvement in atherogenesis.
  • Examination of epidemiological data linking HCMV to CVD in specific patient groups.

Main Results:

  • HCMV can directly and indirectly promote the development and progression of atherosclerotic plaques.
  • Evidence suggests a role for HCMV in cardiovascular complications across various immunocompromised populations.

Conclusions:

  • HCMV is implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate HCMV's role in CVD, particularly in vulnerable populations.

Keywords:
T cellsantibodyatherosclerosiscardiovascular diseasehuman cytomegalovirus

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