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Cytomegalovirus infection in two infants with congenital or neonatal solid tumors
G Nigro1, U Bartmann, E Properzi
1Pediatric Institute of La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
Insights
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection may play a role in the progression of rare infant cancers, fibrosarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma. Both infants studied had severe immune deficiencies and succumbed to their conditions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Fibrosarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma are rare pediatric cancers.
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common viral infection with potential complications in immunocompromised individuals.
Abstract:
Two infants with fibrosarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma diagnosed prenatally and at 2 months of age, respectively, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection are reported. Concomitant CMV infection was revealed by positive urine culture and/or CMV DNA, and CMV-specific IgM, IgA, and complement-fixing antibodies. The patients, showing very low levels of immune T cells, died at 3 and 8 months of age, respectively. A pathogenic role for CMV in the progression of the tumors is suggested.