Brief Report: Clinical Features of Newly Diagnosed Cytomegalovirus Retinitis in South India

The clinical features of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis have not been well characterized in India, despite the likely high burden of disease.

Tertiary eye hospital in Madurai, India.

All patients with a diagnosis of CMV retinitis seen at a single eye hospital from 2007 to 2023 were identified from uvea, retina, and microbiology registries and the hospital administrative database. A standardized chart review was performed.

Among 343 patients diagnosed with CMV retinitis, 322 (94%) were HIV positive. Of 213 patients with a documented date of HIV diagnosis, 54 (25%) were unaware of their HIV status until after being diagnosed with CMV retinitis. Of the 159 HIV-positive patients aware of their diagnosis, 33 (21%) were not yet taking antiretroviral therapy at the time of retinitis diagnosis. At the time of CMV retinitis diagnosis, a total of 52 (16%) patients were bilaterally blind and 57 (18%) had retinal detachment in 1 or both eyes. The number of patients presenting with CMV retinitis each year did not change substantially between 2007 and 2023.

Patients diagnosed with CMV retinitis at an eye hospital in south India presented with advanced disease, and were frequently unaware of their HIV diagnosis.