What Conditions Can A Cytomegalovirus Infection Cause?

Pneumonia

Individuals who have a weakened immune system are at great risk for developing a serious lung infection from cytomegalovirus than healthy individuals. Additionally, patients with compromised immunity from chemotherapy, organ or bone marrow transplants, or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) may also be at an increased risk of developing pneumonia from previously dormant cytomegaloviruses. When this condition develops, it is not always easy for a physician to know cytomegalovirus is the cause of the infection, or if it is due to another virus or bacteria, making treatment potentially difficult. Pneumonia caused by cytomegalovirus infections, just like from any other cause, can be fatal.

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Diarrhea

Cytomegaloviruses can infect the colon, especially in those with weakened immune systems, leading to colitis. Once the virus infiltrates the lining of the colon, it can begin to eat away at the lining, leading to inflammation. As the body tries to suppress this inflammation with an immune response, watery diarrhea can develop. In many cases, this condition may become chronic, leading to severe dehydration and other health risks. Because colitis caused by cytomegaloviruses cannot be differentiated from Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, treatment may be delayed. If ulcerations in the colon become severe and reach the inner blood vessels, blood may also be released into the bowels.

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