<aside> 💡 Latent Infections of β Herpesvirus

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50% to 100% of adults have antibodies to CMV* seropositive for life!

disease course

Acute: asymptomatic - mild fever, Latent in: Monocytes & Monoblasts.

Reactivation destroys monocytes, dendritic cells impair T cell function – immunosuppression & evade immune system.

Clinical Features

• Congenital CMV: Rash, Jaundice, Microcephaly & Low birth weight.

• CMV inclusion disease of newborn: (5%) if survive, Intellectual disability, hearing loss, and other neurological disorders.

• CMV-infection in adults only if immunosuppressed

  • Severe infection in immunocompromised pts. – Pneumonitis, ARDS, colitis, marrow necrosis.

  CMV negative blood products for transfusion in transplant patients.

Diagnosis: PCR for CMV DNA.

Microscopy: Giant cells : monocyte with single nucleus with single large “owl eye” inclusions