The Footprint of CMV Infection May Last a Lifetime

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a β-herpesvirus able to replicate in fibroblasts, endothelial cells and monocytes [1]. CMV infection is usually asymptomatic, but causes a mononucleosis-like illness in some individuals. CMV disease can manifest as a syndrome or as an acute infection of an organ or tissue. CMV syndrome is characterized by fever, leukopenia, hepato-spleno‐ megaly, myalgias and occasionally pneumonitis. Sites of acute CMV infection include brain, heart, kidneys, liver and eyes. CMV colitis and CMV enteritis are manifestations of CMV disease in solid organ transplant recipients, bone marrow transplant recipients and HIV patients [2]. CMV retinitis was a common AIDS-defining illness before antiretroviral therapy (ART) became available, and remains a significant cause of blindness in HIV patients in the developing world [3]