Increased serum alpha-fetoprotein levels in cytomegalovirus infections

Among 54 patients with a clinically and serologically verified cytomegalovirus infection, 8 (15%) had raised alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels in sera taken after the onset of infection. No raised serum AFP was seen in acute or convalescent sera of 45 patients with other viral diseases, including infectious mononucleosis and acute herpes simplex virus infection. No definite correlation was found between raised AFP and raised S-ALAT values, indicating hepatic damage. The highest single AFP values were seen in two immunosuppressed patients and in a patient who received a blood transfusion. Two possible explanations for this phenomenon are advanced.