Symptomatic cytomegalovirus gastrointestinal infection with positive quantitative real-time PCR findings in apparently immunocompetent patients: a case series

Cytomegalovirus antigen-specific multi-cytokine immune responses in patients with rheumatic diseases under different cytomegalovirus infection status: A case-control study

OBJECTIVE

To explore Cytomegalovirus (CMV) antigen-specific multi-cytokine immune responses in patients with rheumatic disease (RD) under different CMV infection status.

METHODS

A total of 60 RD patients in our center from March 2023 to August 2023 were enrolled. The patients were divided into latent CMV infection and active CMV infection, the latter was classified as subclinical CMV infection or CMV disease based on presence or absence of symptoms related to CMV. Whole blood was collected and stimulated with QuantiFERON-CMV antigen. The levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17 and CXCL-2 in supernatant were measured by Luminex Assays. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of cytokine for distinguishing different CMV infection status.

RESULTS

The proportion of patients with severe lymphopenia was lowest in the latent CMV infection group, while there were no significant differences in medication usage in different CMV infection status. After stimulation with QF-CMV antigens, the levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-2 in the CMV disease group were significantly lower than those in the latent CMV infection group. CMV antigen-specific IFN-γ, TNF-α levels and severe lymphopenia together provided the best discriminatory performance for distinguishing between latent and either active CMV infection patients (AUC = 0.854) or CMV disease patients (AUC = 0.935).

CONCLUSION

Noninvasive peripheral blood biomarkers (the combination of CMV antigen-specific IFN-γ, TNF-α levels and severe lymphopenia) may have the potential to diferentiate different status of CMV infection in RD population.

Clinical features and prognosis of systemic lupus erythematosus complicated by active cytomegalovirus infection: a retrospective cohort study

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical traits and consequences of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) complicated by active cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection.

Methods

This retrospective review involved the examination of medical records for patients diagnosed with SLE who had an active CMV infection at the time of their discharge from Peking Union Medical College Hospital between June 2016 and December 2022. The consistency between plasma CMV deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) viral load and pp65 antigenemia was analyzed using the chi-square test. Related factors for CMV disease in SLE complicated by active CMV infection patients were analyzed by univariate analysis and multivariable stepwise logistic regression. Cox hazards regression analysis was used to determine predictors for all-cause mortality and CMV recurrence within 3 months.

Results

A total of 206 patients were enrolled in this study. Of the 123 patients who were detected with both plasma CMV DNA viral load and pp65 antigenemia within an interval not exceeding 72 h, the consistency between plasma CMV DNA viral load and pp65 antigenemia was not good (Kappa = -0.304, p < 0.001). Plasma CMV DNA viral load ≥ 1,600 copies/mL [odds ratio (OR) 4.411, 95% CI 1.871-10.402, p = 0.001], current glucocorticoids dose (equivalent to prednisolone) ≥60 mg/d (OR 2.155, 95% CI 1.071-4.334, p = 0.031), and elevated alanine transaminase (OR 3.409, 95% CI 1.563-7.435, p = 0.002) were significant clinical clues indicating CMV disease in SLE. Multivariable Cox hazards regression analysis showed that CMV organ involvement [hazard ratio (HR) 47.222, 95% CI 5.621-396.689, p < 0.001], SLE multi-system involvement (HR 1.794, 95% CI 1.029-3.128, p = 0.039), and elevated hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) (HR 5.767, 95% CI 1.190-27.943, p = 0.030) were independent risk factors for 3-month all-cause mortality. CMV organ involvement (HR 3.404, 95% CI 1.074-10.793, p = 0.037) was an independent risk factor for CMV recurrence within 3 months.

Conclusion

In SLE patients, plasma CMV DNA viral load seemed to have a higher value in the diagnosis of CMV disease; patients with CMV organ involvement, SLE multi-system involvement, and elevated hsCRP might have a higher risk of 3-month all-cause mortality; and patients with CMV organ involvement might have a higher risk of CMV recurrence within 3 months.

Cytomegalovirus Diseases of the Gastrointestinal Tract in Immunocompetent Patients: A Narrative Review

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a potential pathogen that causes gastrointestinal (GI) tract diseases regardless of host immunity. In contrast to immunocompromised individuals, immunocompetent patients lack a comprehensive overview of the gastrointestinal manifestations. This study aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the current evidence regarding presentations, diagnostics, management, risk assessment, and outcomes in immunocompetent patients with CMV GI disease. A thorough literature search of English publications up to April 2022 was conducted across electronic databases to identify relevant articles, with eligible case series selected for detailed analysis. The majority of immunocompetent patients affected by CMV GI disease are typically elderly, critically ill, or burdened with comorbidities that compromise immunity. Clinical presentations range from subtle symptoms to severe surgical conditions, including instances of mortality. Specific clinical presentations, blood test results, or endoscopic features are lacking, necessitating reliance on histopathological tests such as immunohistochemistry staining for diagnosis. While antiviral therapy may offer benefits in improving outcomes, careful individual assessment is warranted due to diverse comorbidities and potential side effects. Mortality rates vary considerably based on underlying medical conditions and therapeutic approaches. It is imperative for clinicians to maintain vigilance for CMV GI disease among high-risk groups, despite their baseline immunocompetence, in order to enhance clinical outcomes.

Using a commercially available assay that measures cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific T-cell immunity to predict protection against CMV: A prospective, blinded clinical study

The Viracor CMV-T-cell immunity Panel (TCIP) measures %CMV-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells. In this blinded clinical study, we evaluated the performance of the TCIP in predicting CMV events. Prospectively enrolled donor or recipient CMV-seropositive kidney transplant recipients (KTR) were evaluated with monthly TCIP testing until either discontinuation of valganciclovir prophylaxis or CMV DNAemia prompting treatment initiation. Also, prospectively enrolled KTR with low-level untreated DNAemia or after completion of treatment were evaluated for progression or relapse of CMV infection. Among 46 KTR, those with CMV events had significantly lower %CMV-specific CD8+ T-cells (p = 0.024), and the CMV protection ROC AUC was significant (AUC 0.78, p = 0.026). The positive predictive values of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell positivity >0.2 % for CMV protection were: 96.3 % for CMV DNAemia prompting treatment initiation, 92.6 % for any DNAemia, 100 % for DNAemia >1000 IU/mL. The TCIP could be a useful adjunct tool in individualized management of CMV infection.

A rare cause of severe esophagitis in an immunocompetent patient - double complication with an endoscopic resolution

A 75-year-old male, without relevant medical history and negative HIV1/2 serology, presented at the emergency department with mixed shock (septic - from pleuroparenchymal origin - and hypovolemic due to upper gastrointestinal bleeding [UGIB]). Thoracoabdominal CT scan showed an esophagopleural fistula (EPF), with a large right pleural effusion (lately known to be compatible with exudate - Light's criteria) and right pneumothorax, without active bleeding. The upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE) showed a severe esophagitis and, in distal oesophagus, an ulcer with an orifice in the center. Biopsies of the edges of the ulcer were performed. Anatomopathological (AP) studies were negative for viral agents but tissue molecular studies (polymerase chain reaction [PCR]) identified cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA. Despite no immunosuppression condition was identified, CMV severe esophagitis complicated by EPF with right-side empyema and UGIB was diagnosed. An oesophageal fully covered metal stent (FCMS), with anti-migration system, was left in place during 5-weeks and ganciclovir therapy (5mg/kg/day) was maintained for 21-days. Clinical-analytical, radiological and endoscopic improvement was noticed. No recurrence in the following year of follow-up.

IgG4-Related Oesophageal Disease with Cytomegalovirus Infection: A Case Report

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a fibrous inflammatory process related to immunomodulation. The involvement of the pancreato-biliary tract, retroperitoneum/aorta, head and neck, and salivary glands are the most frequently observed disease phenotypes, differing in their epidemiological features, serological findings, and prognostic outcomes. IgG4-RD was combined with oesophageal ulcers, and the patients were infected with cytomegalovirus at the time of the examination. This constituted a huge challenge in the diagnosis and treatment of oesophageal ulcers. We report the case of a 53-year-old male who experienced nausea, vomiting, and anaemia recurrently for many years. According to his medical records, an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed an oesophageal ulcer, and he had had numerous hospital visits for anaemia but with no definitive diagnosis, and he had responded poorly to therapy. However, with persistent symptoms, he came to our hospital and, according to the results of the upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, a serum IgG4 test, and histopathological and immunohistochemical staining, he was finally diagnosed with IgG4-related oesophageal disease combined with a cytomegalovirus infection. We hope that through this case, we can learn more about IgG4-RD and, at the same time, give clinicians a better understanding of IgG4-RD combined with oesophageal ulceration, a new understanding of cytomegalovirus infections, and improved clinical knowledge.

Emergency gastrointestinal tract operation associated with cytomegalovirus infection

Purpose

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is common in immunocompromised patients. Enterocolitis caused by CMV infection can lead to perforation and bleeding of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which requires emergency operation. We investigated the demographics and outcomes of patients who underwent emergency operation for CMV infection of the GI tract.

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted between January 2010 and December 2020. Patients who underwent emergency GI operation and were diagnosed with CMV infection through a pathologic examination of the surgical specimen were included. The diagnosis was confirmed using immunohistochemical staining and evaluated by experienced pathologists.

Results

A total of 27 patients who underwent operation for CMV infection were included, 18 of whom were male with a median age of 63 years. Twenty-two patients were in an immunocompromised state. Colon (37.0%) and small bowel (37.0%) were the most infected organs. CMV antigenemia testing was performed in 19 patients; 13 of whom showed positive results. The time to diagnose CMV infection from operation and time to start ganciclovir treatment were median of 9 days. The reoperation rate was 22.2% and perforation was the most common cause of reoperation. In-hospital mortality rate was 25.9%.

Conclusion

CMV infection in the GI tract causes severe effects, such as hemorrhage or perforation, in immunocompromised patients. When these outcomes are observed in immunocompromised patients, suspicion of CMV infection and further evaluation for CMV detection in tissue specimens is required for proper treatment.

[Severe cytomegalovirus-associated protein losing gastropathy in an immunocompetent adult]

INTRODUCTION

Clinical expression of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is numerous and depends on the immune status of the host. In immunocompromised patients, CMV disease corresponds to reactivation of the virus with tissue damage responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. In immunocompetent adults, primary CMV infection is usually asymptomatic but may rarely result in severe organ damage.

OBSERVATION

We report the case of a 28-year-old man, considered immunocompetent and without medical history, presenting with a primary CMV infection revealed by a severe protein-losing gastroenteropathy (serum albumin level: 18.9g/L). The CT scan showed a gastro-duodeno-jejuno-ileitis pattern. Upper intestinal endoscopy revealed diffuse ulcerated and congestive gastritis predominantly in the fundus. Histological analysis of the biopsies showed no viral inclusion and no immunohistochemical staining reaction, but a high viral load (5.61 log). Treatment was symptomatic associated with anticoagulation due to the major hypoalbuminemia. The patient slowly recovered, and normal clinical examination and blood tests were observed two months after the onset of symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Severe CMV organ involvement in the immunocompetent patient is very rare but potentially serious. Digestive involvement complicated by exudative enteropathy is possible. Evolution is usually favorable without the need for antiviral treatment.

Cytomegaloviral colitis in primary CMV viraemia in a young immunocompetent adult

A man in his 20s presented with a 2-week history of fever, fatigue and diarrhoea. On arrival to the emergency department, he had clinical findings of sepsis. The care team initially suspected sepsis secondary to bacterial colitis and administered antibiotics. Further workup including a stool PCR assay for gastrointestinal pathogens failed to establish a diagnosis, and he had no evidence of immune compromise. Colonoscopy revealed mucosal ulceration presumed to be ulcerative colitis. Histopathology obtained after discharge revealed severe colitis with cytomegalovirus (CMV) inclusions. Serological studies indicated a primary CMV infection. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a primary CMV infection presenting as severe colitis and systemic disease in a young immunocompetent patient without underlying disease.

Cytomegalovirus Diseases of the Gastrointestinal Tract

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract can be fatal. However, very few studies have provided comprehensive analyses and specified the differences in symptoms observed in different parts of the GI tract. This study aimed to comprehensively analyze clinical manifestations and management of GI CMV disease. This retrospective cohort study enrolled the patients who had CMV diseases of the GI tract proved by CMV immunohistochemistry stain from the pathology database in a 4000-bed tertiary medical center between January 2000 and May 2021. The patient characteristics, clinical manifestations, endoscopic features, treatments, outcomes, and prognostic factors were analyzed. A total of 356 patients were enrolled, including 46 infected in the esophagus, 76 in the stomach, 30 in the small intestine, and 204 in the colon. In total, 49.4% patients were immunocompromised. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 20.8%: CMV enteritis had the highest rate (23.3%). Sixty percent of patients received antiviral treatment and 16% were administered both intravenous and oral anti-viral drugs (Combo therapy, minimal and mean treatment duration were 14 and 39.9 ± 25 days). Prognostic factors of in-hospital mortality included age, immune status, albumin level, platelet count, GI bleeding, time-to-diagnosis, and Combo therapy. In the survival analysis, immunocompetent patients receiving Combo therapy had the best survival curve, and immunocompromised patients receiving non-Combo therapy had the worst survival curve. Combo therapy ≥14 days resulted in a better outcome for both immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. In conclusion, CMV GI diseases affect both immunocompromised and immunocompetent hosts, and a complete treatment course should be considered for patients with poor prognostic factors.

Cytomegalovirus proctitis in non-human immunodeficiency virus infected patients: A case report and literature review

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. CMV is a ubiquitous Herpesviridae virus with a wide spectrum of pathologies in humans. Immunocompetent patients generally develop a benign, self-limited mononucleosis-like syndrome, whereas gastrointestinal tissue-invasive disease is more frequently seen in immunocompromised. The clinical manifestations of CMV colitis or proctitis are demarcated by bloody diarrhea, ulcerations, ulcero-infiltrative changes, and pseudomembranous formation on colonoscopy. Gastrointestinal CMV infections complicated with deep rectal ulcer and fistula formation are rare in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Ganciclovir is also the gold standard therapy for CMV colitis or proctitis.

Endoscopic tissue sampling - Part 1: Upper gastrointestinal and hepatopancreatobiliary tracts. European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Guideline

1: ESGE recommends that, where there is a suspicion of eosinophilic esophagitis, at least six biopsies should be taken, two to four biopsies from the distal esophagus and two to four biopsies from the proximal esophagus, targeting areas with endoscopic mucosal abnormalities. Distal and proximal biopsies should be placed in separate containers.Strong recommendation, low quality of evidence. 2: ESGE recommends obtaining six biopsies, including from the base and edge of the esophageal ulcers, for histologic analysis in patients with suspected viral esophagitis.Strong recommendation, low quality of evidence. 3: ESGE recommends at least six biopsies are taken in cases of suspected advanced esophageal cancer and suspected advanced gastric cancer.Strong recommendation, moderate quality of evidence. 4: ESGE recommends taking only one to two targeted biopsies for lesions in the esophagus or stomach that are potentially amenable to endoscopic resection (Paris classification 0-I, 0-II) in order to confirm the diagnosis and not compromise subsequent endoscopic resection.Strong recommendation, low quality of evidence. 5: ESGE recommends obtaining two biopsies from the antrum and two from the corpus in patients with suspected Helicobacter pylori infection and for gastritis staging.Strong recommendation, low quality of evidence. 6: ESGE recommends biopsies from or, if endoscopically resectable, resection of gastric adenomas.Strong recommendation, moderate quality of evidence. 7: ESGE recommends fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and fine-needle biopsy (FNB) needles equally for sampling of solid pancreatic masses.Strong recommendation, high quality evidence. 8: ESGE suggests performing peroral cholangioscopy (POC) and/or endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided tissue acquisition in indeterminate biliary strictures. For proximal and intrinsic strictures, POC is preferred. For distal and extrinsic strictures, EUS-guided sampling is preferred, with POC where this is not diagnostic.Weak recommendation, low quality evidence. 9: ESGE suggests obtaining possible non-neoplastic biopsies before sampling suspected malignant lesions to prevent intraluminal spread of malignant disease.Weak recommendation, low quality of evidence. 10: ESGE suggests dividing EUS-FNA material into smears (two per pass) and liquid-based cytology (LBC), or the whole of the EUS-FNA material can be processed as LBC, depending on local experience.Weak recommendation, low quality evidence.

Acute abdomen in the immunocompromised patient: WSES, SIS-E, WSIS, AAST, and GAIS guidelines

Immunocompromised patients are a heterogeneous and diffuse category frequently presenting to the emergency department with acute surgical diseases. Diagnosis and treatment in immunocompromised patients are often complex and must be multidisciplinary. Misdiagnosis of an acute surgical disease may be followed by increased morbidity and mortality. Delayed diagnosis and treatment of surgical disease occur; these patients may seek medical assistance late because their symptoms are often ambiguous. Also, they develop unique surgical problems that do not affect the general population. Management of this population must be multidisciplinary.This paper presents the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES), Surgical Infection Society Europe (SIS-E), World Surgical Infection Society (WSIS), American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST), and Global Alliance for Infection in Surgery (GAIS) joined guidelines about the management of acute abdomen in immunocompromised patients.

Cytomegalovirus gastritis: Clinicopathological profile

BACKGROUND

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) gastritis is occasionally reported in case reports and limited case series. Up to now, it is the largest and most comprehensive retrospective study of CMV gastritis.

METHODS

All patients who were histologically diagnosed with CMV gastritis at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital between January 2000 and April 2020 were included. Patients were divided into two groups according to immunity. Between-group differences in characteristics, manifestations, endoscopic features, prognostic factors, and outcomes were analyzed. The main endpoint was 3-month mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 54 patients (34 immunocompromised, 20 immunocompetent) were enrolled. Common presentations included gastrointestinal bleeding (35.2%), abdominal pain (33.3%) and fever (31.5%). The endoscopic features included ulcer (88.9%) and inflammation (11.1%). The 3-month mortality rate was 20.4% and overall mortality rate was 40.7%. Acute kidney injury was the only independent risk factor for 3-month mortality (OR 53.89, 95%CI 1.56-1861.73, p = 0.027). Anti-viral therapy and host immune status did not affect 3-month mortality.

CONCLUSION

Both immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients with CMV gastritis have high mortality rates, without significant between-group differences. Acute kidney injury is the only independent predictive factor for 3-month mortality. Prevention of acute kidney injury may possibly improve the 3-month mortality rate.

Cytomegalovirus haemorrhagic colitis complicating COVID-19 in an immunocompetent critically ill patient: A case report

Suspicion threshold for opportunistic coinfections should be lowered in severe COVID-19. Serum CMV polymerase chain reaction and colonoscopy should be discussed in presence of persistent digestive disturbances.

Cytomegalovirus-associated esophagitis on early esophageal cancer in immunocompetent host: a case report

Background

Cytomegalovirus (CMV)-associated gastrointestinal diseases usually occur in immunocompromised patients; however, few cases has also been described in healthy hosts despite still unclear pathological mechanisms. CMV esophagitis causes various lesions, such as erythematous mucosa, erosions, and ulcers, although such inflammatory changes can appear in superficial esophageal cancers or in surrounding areas. CMV-associated esophagitis has been also reported in cancer patients, but typically in those with advanced and/or terminal stage cancers secondary to chemoradiotherapy-induced immunosuppression or the physiologic demands of the malignancy itself. To our best knowledge, we firstly report on an immunocompetent patient subject to endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early esophageal cancer complicated with CMV infection.

Case presentation

A 77-year-old man underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) at a local clinic. EGD revealed a lugol-unstained reddish lesion with whitish exudates in the middle-distal esophagus. Histological evaluation of lesion biopsy revealed atypical squamous epithelium with CMV-positive granulation tissue and aggregates of macrophages, prompting referral for further examination and treatment. Magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging showed an erosive lesion with white moss in a well-demarcated brownish area with irregular mesh-like microvessels. ESD was performed for diagnosis and treatment. Histopathological examination of the resected specimen revealed superficial, moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with multiple lymphatic infiltration, and few CMV-positive cells were found in the erosive part of the SCC. Interestingly, he had no underlying conditions to predispose to CMV infection and no risk factors for esophageal cancer, other than gender and age. He received neither steroids for stricture prevention nor antiviral agents post-EGD and 4-month follow-up was negative for esophagitis.

Conclusions

This is the first report of a case of CMV esophagitis superimposed on early esophageal cancer in an immunocompetent host and might provide valuable information for possible adverse effects of steroid administration during ESD procedures, despite their common use for prevention of post-ESD stricture.

Clinical Features, Endoscopic Findings, and Predictive Factors for Mortality in Tissue-Invasive Gastrointestinal Cytomegalovirus Disease between Immunocompetent and Immunocompromised Patients

Background and Aims

Tissue-invasive gastrointestinal cytomegalovirus (TI-GI CMV) disease is common in immunocompromised patients, but the increasing prevalence in immunocompetent patients has been reported. This study compared the clinical manifestations, endoscopic features, treatment outcomes, and predictors for inhospital mortality of TI-GI CMV between immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients.

Methods

Patients with HIV infection, malignancy, or receiving immunosuppressive agents (chemotherapy, high dose, or long-term corticosteroids) were defined as the immunocompromised group. Demographic and inhospital mortality data were obtained and retrospectively analyzed.

Results

A total of 213 patients (89 immunocompetent) with histologically confirmed TI-GI CMV were enrolled. Immunocompetent patients were older (70 vs. 52 years; p < 0.001), had more GI bleeding as a presenting symptom (47.2% vs. 29.0%; p = 0.010), and shorter symptom onset (2 vs. 14 days, p = 0.018). Concomitant extra-GI involvement was only seen in the immunocompromised group (6.5% vs. 0%; p = 0.02). Diffuse GI tract (14.5% vs. 4.5%; p = 0.032) and esophageal involvement (14.5% vs. 5.6%; p = 0.046) were more frequent in the immunocompromised, while small bowel involvement was more frequent in the immunocompetent group (19.1% vs. 8.1%; p = 0.029). An overall inhospital mortality was 27.7%. There was no significant difference in inhospital survival probability between the two groups (Peto-Peto test, p = 0.65). ICU admission (hazard ratio [HR] 7.21; 95% CI 2.55-20.36), sepsis or shock (HR 1.98; 95% CI 1.08-3.66), malnutrition (HR 2.62; 95% CI 1.05-7.01), and receiving chemotherapy (HR 5.2; 95% CI 1.89-14.29) were independent factors for inhospital mortality. Antiviral treatment for more than 14 days was the only protective factor to improve survival (Peto-Peto test, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients with TI-GI CMV disease had distinct clinical and endoscopic characteristics. There was no significant difference in the inhospital mortality between the two groups. The factors for mortality were ICU admission, sepsis/shock, malnutrition, and receiving chemotherapy. Early diagnosis and initiation of antiviral treatment might improve the survival probability.

Endoscopic features and clinical outcomes of cytomegalovirus gastroenterocolitis in immunocompetent patients

We aimed to investigate the endoscopic features and clinical course of CMV gastroenterocolitis in immunocompetent patients. We reviewed the medical records and endoscopic images of 86 immunocompetent patients with CMV gastroenterocolitis. Immunocompetent patients were defined as those without congenital or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, use of anti-cancer chemotherapeutic and immunosuppressive agents, and inflammatory bowel diseases. The mean age was 65.5 ± 11.8 years and 53 (61.6%) were male. Sixty-eight (79.1%) patients had comorbidities. Upper gastrointestinal-dominant, small bowel-dominant, and colon-dominant types were observed in 19, 7, and 60 patients, respectively. Endoscopic features could be classified into discrete ulcerative type with/without exudate and diffuse erythematous type with/without exudate. Antiviral treatment with ganciclovir was initiated in 51 patients (59.3%), 40 of whom improved and 1 improved after changing ganciclovir to foscarnet. Thirty-three patients (38.4%) improved without antiviral treatment. Surgery was necessary in two patients because of colon perforation before antiviral treatment. Another two patients underwent surgery because of sigmoid stricture and cecal perforation during antiviral treatment. Endoscopic type was not associated with clinical outcomes, such as surgery and death. CMV gastroenterocolitis in immunocompetent patients mostly occur in older patients with comorbidities, and the endoscopic features vary with no association with clinical outcomes.

Diagnostic significance of cytomegalovirus DNA quantitation in gastrointestinal biopsies: comparison with histopathological data and blood cytomegalovirus DNA

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to improve the diagnosis of gastrointestinal (GI) cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease. It presents the results of a novel study in which CMV blood viral load (BVL), tissue viral load (TVL) determined by PCR and hematoxylin-eosin (HE)/immunohistochemistry (IHC) results of GI biopsies are examined comparatively.

METHODS

CMV DNA was investigated by quantitative real-time PCR in blood and GI biopsy specimens of 76 patients suspected of CMV disease. Biopsies were also performed HE/IHC stainings in the pathology laboratory.

RESULTS

This study included 76 patients whose median age was 34.5 years and 58% (44) were male. Tissue CMV PCR positivity was detected in the highest colon (40/53;75.5%) samples. HE, IHC, blood and tissue CMV PCR positivity rates of all samples were 15.8, 25, 50 and 71.1%, respectively. When IHC was used as the gold standard test for ROC analysis, the optimal cutoff values for the maximum sensitivity and specificity for BVL and TVL were 1.91 log10 copies/ml and 3.82 log10 copies/mg, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity for the cutoff value of tissue CMV DNA were 78.9 and 74.3%, respectively (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In this study, CMV DNA was detected in 71.1% of the tissue samples of the cases by PCR. Since the sensitivity of the histopathological examinations accepted as the gold standard is low, simultaneous with the histopathological examinations, determination of BVL, TVL and the identification of optimal cutoff values have been shown to support the diagnosis of GI CMV disease.

CMV Disease of Upper GI Tract in Immunocompetent Host: Two Case Reports and Brief Review of Literature

Gastrointestinal cytomegalovirus (GI-CMV) infection is well-reported in immunocompromised individuals and those on chemotherapy or other immunosuppressive medications. Rarely, CMV infection of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) occurs in immunocompetent individuals. Colon is the most common site of GI involvement with CMV. However, in immunocompetent individuals, upper GIT involvement is more common. Clinical spectrum of GI-CMV disease is variable and depends on the location and severity of the disease. Prompt diagnosis and treatment aids in reducing morbidity and mortality related to CMV involvement in GI tract. We present two interesting cases of CMV-induced GI ulcers in immunocompetent individuals with brief review of diagnostic and treatment challenges associated with CMV disease in immunocompetent individuals.

Cytomegalovirus and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) with a Special Focus on the Link with Ulcerative Colitis (UC)

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infects approximately 40% of adults in France and persists lifelong as a latent agent in different organs, including gut. A close relationship is observed between inflammation that favors viral expression and viral replication that exacerbates inflammation. In this context, CMV colitis may impact the prognosis of patients suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), and notably those with ulcerative colitis (UC). In UC, the mucosal inflammation and T helper cell (T_H) 2 cytokines, together with immunomodulatory drugs used for controlling flare-ups, favor viral reactivation within the gut, which, in turn, increases mucosal inflammation, impairs corticoid and immunosuppressor efficacy (the probability of steroid resistance is multiplied by more than 20 in the case of CMV colitis), and enhances the risk for colectomy. This review emphasizes the virological tools that are recommended for exploring CMV colitis during inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and underlines the interest of using ganciclovir for treating flare-ups associated to CMV colitis in UC patients.

Girinimbine from curry leaves promotes gastro protection against ethanol induced peptic ulcers and improves healing via regulation of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms

Curry leaves (Murraya koenigii) are a leafy spice used in Indian cookery for its fragrant aroma. Many bioactive functional compounds have been identified, and among them carbazole alkaloids have attracted wide attention due to their multi-dimensional medicinal value. Even though it has been established that the carbazole alkaloid is responsible for the anti-ulcer effect showed by this culinary herb, there is no further evidence to say which phytochemical is responsible for this. In the present study, we investigated the gastro-protective effects and mechanism of girinimbine, a major carbazole alkaloid present in curry leaves. Rats were administered with ethanol to produce gastric ulcers, and the prophylactic effect of girinimbine was evaluated. A macroscopic and histological examination was carried out to examine the lesions. Furthermore, the mucus production, NO production, PGE2 synthesis, mucosal nonprotein sulphydryls, glutathione (GSH) level, lipid peroxidation (MDA) level and COX inhibition were assessed. In addition, in particular, TNF-α and IL-6, two important cytokines, were evaluated. Immunohistochemical and gene expression studies were conducted to determine the HSP70 and iNOS biomarkers. Our results indicated that girinimbine significantly reduced the ulcer index and totally safeguarded the mucosa from lesions. The protective effect of girinimbine was complemented through the restoration of the reduced GSH and NP-SH level. This was associated with a reduction of MDA, which was elevated by the administration of ethanol. Pre-treatment of the ethanol induced ulcer with girinimbine reduced the NO concentration in the plasma and elevated PGE2 together with a decreased level of TNF-α and IL-6. Girinimbine had shown suppressing effects on COX-2 enzymes, but not on COX-1. In addition, significantly upregulated HSP70 and downregulated iNOS were observed in girinimbine treated rat tissue at both the transcriptional and translational level. Our results clearly indicated that girinimbine displayed a significant gastro-protection effect, via the capacity to inhibit inflammatory responses and antioxidant potential.

Diagnostic usefulness of the cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific T cell-based assay for predicting CMV infection after kidney transplant

BACKGROUND/AIMS

We evaluated the usefulness in kidney transplant (KT) candidates of cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assays for predicting the development of post-transplant CMV infections.

METHODS

All adult recipients admitted for living-donor KT between March 2014 and March 2015 were prospectively enrolled except donor CMV-seropositive and recipient seronegative (D+/R-) recipients. All the enrolled patients underwent CMV-specific ELISPOT assays before transplant, and a researcher blinded to the results of these assays examined the patients for CMV infection at least 6 months post-transplant.

RESULTS

Of 133 KT recipients, 44 (33%) developed CMV infections. When we used the cut-off determined by receiver operator characteristic curve, 16 of the 34 patients (47%) with negative pp65-specific ELISPOT results (< 11 spots/200,000 cells) developed CMV infections, whereas 28 of the 99 patients (39%) with positive pp65-specific ELISPOT results at baseline (≥ 11 spots/200,000 cells) developed CMV infections after KT (p = 0.02). Based on the multivariable Cox regression model, negative pp65-specific ELISPOT assay results was an independent risk factor for CMV infection (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 1.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01 to 3.46; p = 0.047) as well as age (AHR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.08; p = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

Pre-transplant CMV-specific ELISPOT assay appears to predict the development of CMV infections after KT in recipients at moderate risk such as CMV-seropositive recipients (Clinical Trial Registration Number NCT02025335).

Cytomegalovirus ileo-pancolitis presenting as toxic megacolon in an immunocompetent patient: A case report

BACKGROUND

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) enterocolitis presenting in the form of pancolitis or involving the small and large intestines in an immunocompetent patient is rarely encountered, and CMV enterocolitis presenting with a serious complication, such as toxic megacolon, in an immunocompetent adult has only been reported on a few occasions.

CASE SUMMARY

We describe the case of a 70-year-old male with no history of inflammatory bowel disease or immunodeficiency who presented with toxic megacolon and subsequently developed massive hemorrhage as a complication of CMV ileo-pancolitis. The patient was referred to our institute for abdominal pain and distension. Abdominal X-ray showed marked dilatation of ileum and whole colon without air-fluid level, and sigmoidoscopy with biopsy failed to reveal any specific finding. After 7 d of conservative treatment, massive hematochezia developed, and he was diagnosed to have CMV enterocolitis by colonoscopy with biopsy. Although the diagnosis of CMV enterocolitis was delayed, the patient was treated successfully by repeat colonoscopic decompression and antiviral therapy with intravenous ganciclovir.

CONCLUSION

This report cautions that CMV-induced colitis should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis in a patient with intractable symptoms of enterocolitis or megacolon of unknown cause, even when the patient is non-immunocompromised.

Patient characteristics, clinical manifestations, prognosis, and factors associated with gastrointestinal cytomegalovirus infection in immunocompetent patients

Background

Gastrointestinal (GI) cytomegaloviral (CMV) infection is common among patients with immunocompromised status; however, data specific to GI-CMV infection in immunocompetent patients are comparatively limited.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients diagnosed with GI-CMV infection at Siriraj Hospital (Bangkok, Thailand) during 2008–2017. Baseline characteristics, presentations, comorbid conditions, endoscopic findings, treatments, and outcomes were compared between immunocompetent and immunocompromised.

Results

One hundred and seventy-three patients (56 immunocompetent, 117 immunocompromised) were included. Immunocompetent patients were significantly older than immunocompromised patients (73 vs. 48.6 years, p < 0.0001). Significantly more immunocompetent patients were in the ICU at the time of diagnosis (21.0% vs. 8.6%, p = 0.024). GI bleeding was the leading presentation in immunocompetent, while diarrhea and abdominal pain were more common in immunocompromised. Blood CMV viral load was negative in significantly more immunocompetent than immunocompromised (40.7% vs. 12.9%, p = 0.002). Ganciclovir was the main treatment in both groups. Significantly more immunocompetent than immunocompromised did not receive any specific therapy (25.5% vs. 4.4%, p ≤ 0.01). Six-month mortality was significantly higher among immunocompetent patients (39.0% vs. 22.0%, p = 0.047). Independent predictors of death were old age and inpatient or ICU clinical setting. Treatment with antiviral agents was the only independent protective factor.

Conclusion

GI-CMV infection was frequently observed among immunocompetent elderly patients with comorbidities or severe concomitant illnesses. GI bleeding was the most common presentation. Blood CMV viral load was not diagnostically helpful. Significantly higher mortality was observed in immunocompetent than in immunocompromised patients, but this could be due to more severe concomitant illnesses in the immunocompetent group.

Clinical characteristics of cytomegalovirus gastritis: A retrospective study from a tertiary medical center

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) gastritis is a rare opportunistic infection with diverse clinical manifestations. Our study aimed to investigate the clinical features of Chinese patients with CMV gastritis.Six inpatients diagnosed with CMV gastritis were retrospectively enrolled, based on the finding of inclusion bodies in routine hematoxylin and eosin staining or positive anti-CMV monoclonal antibodies under immunohistochemistry in the gastric biopsy. Data, including demographics, diagnostic measurements, and medications, were collected.Abdominal pain was the most frequently reported symptom, occurring in 4 patients. Five patients were immunocompromised with associated underlying diseases, and 3 patients had decreased leukocyte differentiation antigen 4 positive (CD4) T lymphocyte counts. Only 3 patients had either positive cytomegalovirus (CMV)-immunoglobulin (Ig) M or increased copies of CMV-DNA peripherally. All patients had gastric lesions in the antrum of the stomach, including ulcers or erosions observed by gastroscopy. All patients received ganciclovir by intravenous injection (IV) as the first line anti-CMV therapy, and attained complete (4) or partial remission (2) during the follow-up.CMV gastritis should be taken into consideration in patients with immunocompromised status who have abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting. Gastroscopy and necessary biopsy are the major diagnostic methods for CMV gastritis. Early diagnosis leads to a better prognosis for these patients.

Diagnosis and Management of CMV Colitis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) colitis is a relatively common end-organ infectious complication in immunocompromised hosts which negatively affects clinical outcomes. This paper presents the contemporary approaches to the diagnosis and management of CMV colitis and discusses some of the controversies of this condition, focusing on methods of diagnosis.

RECENT FINDINGS

While certain risk factors for CMV colitis are well recognized, the clinical as well as endoscopic features of this condition are nonspecific. Rapid diagnosis and management are usually needed, especially in critically ill patients, which necessitate invasive diagnostic procedures. Hematoxylin and eosin staining of colonic mucosal tissue may show the typical viral inclusions associated with CMV colitis that are highly specific for this condition. However, the staining has low sensitivity compared to immunohistochemistry, which is considered the gold standard for diagnosis of CMV colitis. Tissue polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is highly sensitive for diagnosis, but is controversial for many reasons, detailed in this paper. A high index of suspicion is needed, and once diagnosis is made, treatment should be highly considered to improve the outcome of these severely ill patients. Noninvasive diagnostic tests will be available in the future and will hopefully improve the diagnosis and care of patients with CMV colitis.

Analysis of gastrointestinal virus infection in immunocompromised hosts by multiplex virus PCR assay

Regarding viral infection of intestinal mucosa, there have been only a few studies on limited diseases, targeting a few herpes family viruses. In this study, we analyzed 12 kinds of DNA viruses including 8 species of herpes family viruses in the gastrointestinal mucosa of patients with hematologic malignancies, inflammatory bowel diseases, collagen diseases, or other miscellaneous forms of gastroenteritis using the multiplex virus PCR assay, which we recently developed. The virus PCR assay yielded positive results in 63 of 102 patients; Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was the most frequently detected, followed by cytomegalovirus (CMV), human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6), HHV-7, parvovirus B19, and herpes simplex virus type 1. The frequencies of viral detection in the 4 diseases were similar involving these 6 viruses. Regarding CMV colitis, the multiplex virus PCR assay was superior to the immunohistopathologic method in detecting CMV. All viruses were more efficiently detected in the mucosa than in the blood in individual patients. These results suggest that CMV, EBV, and HHV-6 were commonly detected in the gastrointestinal mucosa of patients with these 4 diseases, and our multiplex virus PCR assay was useful for the early diagnosis of gastrointestinal virus infection, especially CMV colitis.

Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Disease in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are rare, but can be impactful for patients. Some GI processes are directly related to RA, whereas others may be sequelae of treatment or caused by concomitant autoimmune diseases. This article discusses the role of the GI tract in RA pathogenesis; the presentation, epidemiology, and diagnosis of RA-related GI manifestations; concomitant GI autoimmune diseases that may affect those with RA; and GI side effects of RA treatment. The importance of appropriately considering conditions unrelated to RA in the differential diagnosis when evaluating new GI symptoms in patients with RA is noted.

Coexisting cytomegalovirus infection in immunocompetent patients with Clostridium difficile colitis

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) colitis usually occurs in immunocompromised patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection, organ transplantation, and malignancy receiving chemotherapy or ulcerative colitis receiving immunosuppressive agents. However, CMV colitis is increasingly recognized in immunocompetent hosts. Notably, CMV colitis coexisting with Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in apparently healthy individuals has been published in recent years, which could result in high morbidity and mortality. CMV colitis is a rare but possible differential diagnosis in immunocompetent patients with abdominal pain, watery, or especially bloody diarrhea, which could be refractory to standard treatment for CDI. As a characteristic of CDI, however, pseudomembranous colitis may be only caused by CMV infection. Real-time CMV-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for blood and stool samples may be a useful and noninvasive diagnostic strategy to identify CMV infection when treatment of CDI eventually fails to show significant benefits. Quantitative CMV-PCR in mucosal biopsies may increase the diagnostic yield of traditional histopathology. CMV colitis is potentially life-threatening if severe complications occur, such as sepsis secondary to colitis, massive colorectal bleeding, toxic megacolon, and colonic perforation, so that may necessitate pre-emptive antiviral treatment for those who are positive for CMV-PCR in blood and/or stool samples while pending histological diagnosis.