Cytomegalovirus colitis in an immunocompetent patient with amebiasis: case report and review of the literature

Mt Sinai J Med. 2004 Oct;71(5):347-50.

Abstract

Most cases of cytomegalovirus colitis occur in adults with severe immune deficiency. Only a few cases involving immunocompetent patients have been reported. We describe the first case reported in English, of cytomegalovirus colitis in an immunocompetent patient with preceding amebiasis. Eight previous cases have been reported of cytomegalovirus colitis occurring after colonic mucosal injury in immunocompetent patients. Similar to our case, all eight of these cases resolved without the use of antiviral therapy. This suggests that disruption of colonic mucosa may predispose immunocompetent patients to cytomegalovirus colitis, and that the colitis may become self-limited once the preceding intestinal damage resolves.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Colitis / diagnosis
  • Colitis / drug therapy
  • Colitis / virology*
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / complications
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / diagnosis*
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / drug therapy
  • Dysentery, Amebic / complications
  • Dysentery, Amebic / drug therapy
  • Dysentery, Amebic / virology*
  • Humans
  • Immunocompetence*
  • Male
  • Metronidazole / therapeutic use
  • Paromomycin / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Metronidazole
  • Paromomycin