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04:40

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Published on: August 28, 2018

Cytomegalovirus infection and coronary artery disease in liver transplant recipients: Nationwide study using

Moises Alberto Suarez-Zdunek1, Ask Bock1, Nicolai Aagaard Schultz2

  • 1Department of Infectious Diseases, Viroimmunology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.

International Journal of Infectious Diseases : IJID : Official Publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases
|May 12, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection does not appear to increase the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) in liver transplant recipients. This study found no association between prior CMV infection and the presence or severity of CAD post-transplant.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Transplantation Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Liver transplant recipients face a high burden of coronary artery disease (CAD).
  • Post-transplant cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is common and linked to inflammation, potentially accelerating atherosclerosis.
  • The relationship between CMV infection and CAD in this population requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and coronary artery disease (CAD) in liver transplant recipients.

Main Methods:

  • The Danish Comorbidity in Liver Transplant Recipients (DACOLT) study enrolled adult liver transplant recipients.
  • Participants underwent cardiac computed tomography for CAD assessment and CMV DNAemia screening.
  • The study assessed associations between prior CMV DNAemia, pre-transplant CMV serostatus, and CAD.

Main Results:

  • Out of 278 recipients, 44% had calcified plaque (coronary artery calcium score [CACS] ≥1) and 29% had prior CMV DNAemia.
  • No significant differences in CACS or CAD severity were observed between those with and without prior CMV DNAemia.
  • Prior CMV DNAemia and positive CMV serostatus were not associated with any calcified plaque or CAD measures after adjustments.

Conclusions:

  • No association was found between prior CMV infection and CAD in liver transplant recipients.
  • CMV infection appears to play a limited role in the development of CAD after liver transplantation.
Abstract

Keywords:
AtherosclerosisCoronary artery diseaseCytomegalovirusLiver transplantation

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