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Cytomegalovirus infection in children: frequency, anatomopathologic characteristics and underlying risk factors in
R Peña-Alonso1, S Navarrete-Navarro, G Ramon-Garcia
1Departamento de Patología, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in children with postmortem study. The records of 1618 autopsies performed during 1980-1989 at the Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez were reviewed. Characteristic cytomegalovirus inclusion bodies were identified, in one or several organs, in 47 cases (2.9% of the autopsies). None of these cases was cultured for viruses prior to or at the time of autopsy. Of the 47 cases, 24 (51%) with CMV were younger than 3 months and 38 cases (80%) younger than 12 months of age. In eight cases, the infection was judged as generalized and considered the cause of death. Two of these patients were premature and the infection was most probably intrauterine. The risk factor most frequently identified was secondary immunosuppression. The lung was the most common affected organ, followed by kidney, adrenals, pancreas, liver, brain and salivary glands. In seven cases the inclusion bodies were seen in the brain and in three others periventricular calcifications without inclusion bodies were observed. Although not a rarity in Mexico, CMV infection is not often suspected. Additional studies are needed in order to determine the prevalence of CMV infection in Mexico.
Insights
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection was found in 2.9% of pediatric autopsies. This viral infection was most common in infants under 12 months, with secondary immunosuppression a key risk factor.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pathology
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that can cause serious illness in infants.
- Postmortem studies are crucial for understanding the prevalence and impact of infections in pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in children through a postmortem study.
- To identify affected organs, age groups, and potential risk factors associated with CMV in deceased children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 1618 autopsy records from 1980-1989 at Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez.
- Histopathological examination for characteristic cytomegalovirus inclusion bodies in various organs.
Main Results:
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) inclusion bodies were identified in 47 cases (2.9% of autopsies).
- The majority of CMV cases (80%) occurred in children younger than 12 months.
- Generalized CMV infection was considered the cause of death in 8 cases; secondary immunosuppression was the most frequent risk factor identified.
Conclusions:
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection occurs in a notable percentage of pediatric postmortem examinations in Mexico.
- The lung was the most commonly affected organ, but brain involvement was also observed.
- CMV infection is likely underdiagnosed in Mexico, necessitating further research into its prevalence.
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