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Cytomegalovirus infection in immunocompetent patients

T G Wreghitt1, E L Teare, O Sule

  • 1Clinical Microbiology and Public Health Laboratory, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 2QW, England. tim.wreghitt@addenbrookes.nhs.uk.

Clinical Infectious Diseases : an Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
|December 23, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in immunocompetent individuals often presents with malaise, fever, and abnormal liver function. Early diagnosis by general practitioners offers reassurance and avoids unnecessary investigations.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • General Practice

Background:

  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is common, but its symptoms in immunocompetent individuals are not well-characterized.
  • Understanding these symptoms is crucial for timely diagnosis and management in primary care settings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and document the common symptoms and clinical findings associated with CMV infection in immunocompetent patients presenting to general practitioners (GPs) or hospitalized.
  • To assess the impact of diagnosing CMV infection in primary care.

Main Methods:

  • Serum samples from 7630 patients were tested for CMV immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) avidity between December 1998 and June 2001.
  • A total of 124 immunocompetent patients with confirmed CMV infection were identified and their symptoms analyzed.

Main Results:

  • The most frequent symptoms were malaise (67%), fever (46%), and sweats (46%).
  • Abnormal liver function tests were the most common finding (69%).
  • Twelve percent of patients experienced relapsing illness, with symptoms lasting a mean of 7.8 weeks (up to 32 weeks).

Conclusions:

  • Malaise, fever, sweats, and abnormal liver function are key indicators of CMV infection in immunocompetent patients.
  • Diagnosing CMV infection in primary care provides significant patient reassurance and reduces the need for further investigations.
  • This study clarifies the clinical presentation of CMV in immunocompetent individuals, aiding GPs in diagnosis.

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