Cytomegalovirus

CMV is a common opportunistic pathogen in patients with AIDS and is a major source of morbidity in this population. CMV has been unequivocally implicated as a cause of increased mortality in immunosuppressed patients who do not have AIDS. Whether CMV directly causes higher mortality in the AIDS population, however, remains controversial. This review focuses on the major clinical syndromes caused by CMV infection. Studies are ongoing with regard to optimal dosing schedules using combination antiviral regimens. In addition, new drugs and vaccines are being investigated in an effort to better control, if not eliminate, CMV infection in AIDS patients.