Prevalence of cytomegalovirus infection in homosexual men

Urinary cytomegalovirus excretion: The unresolved issues

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) excretion in urine is frequently observed in clinical practice. However, the specific circumstances and pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this shedding remain largely unknown. Here, we address some of the key questions regarding urinary CMV excretion, focusing on new hypotheses raised by recent advances in the field. Cellular origins of CMV shedding, clinical contexts of occurrence, systemic spread of the virus versus compartmentalization in the urinary tract, and clinical impact are successively discussed.

Effects of highly active antiretroviral therapy initiation on epigenomic DNA methylation in persons living with HIV

Introduction: Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) helps improve some measures of accelerated epigenetic aging in persons living with HIV (PLWH), but its overall impact on the epigenome is not fully understood. Methods: In this study, we analyzed the DNA methylation profiles of PLWH (n = 187) shortly before and approximately 2-3 years after they started HAART, as well as matched seronegative (SN) controls (n = 187), taken at two time intervals. Our aim was to identify specific CpGs and biologic pathways associated with HIV infection and initiation of HAART. Additionally, we attempted to identify epigenetic changes associated with HAART initiation that were independent of HIV-associated changes, using matched HIV seronegative (SN) controls (matched on age, hepatitis C status, and interval between visits) to identify CpGs that did not differ between PLWH and SN pre-HAART but were significantly associated with HAART initiation while being unrelated to HIV viral load. Epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) on >850,000 CpG sites were performed using pre- and post-HAART samples from PLWH. The results were then annotated using the Genomic Regions Enrichment of Annotations Tool (GREAT). Results: When only pre- and post-HAART visits in PLWH were compared, gene ontologies related to immune function and diseases related to immune function were significant, though with less significance for PLWH with detectable HIV viral loads (>50 copies/mL) at the post-HAART visit. To specifically elucidate the effects of HAART separately from HIV-induced methylation changes, we performed EWAS of HAART while also controlling for HIV viral load, and found gene ontologies associated with transplant rejection, transplant-related diseases, and other immunologic signatures. Additionally, we performed a more focused analysis that examined CpGs reaching genome-wide significance (p < 1 × 10-7) from the viral load-controlled EWAS that did not differ between all PLWH and matched SN controls pre-HAART. These CpGs were found to be near genes that play a role in retroviral drug metabolism, diffuse large B cell lymphoma proliferation, and gastric cancer metastasis. Discussion: Overall, this study provides insight into potential biological functions associated with DNA methylation changes induced by HAART initiation in persons living with HIV.

Acute cytomegalovirus proctitis and epididymitis acquired via sexual transmission in an immunocompetent patient: a case report

BACKGROUND

We present a case report of an immunocompetent host with presumed sexually transmitted cytomegalovirus proctitis and epididymitis, where there currently is a sparsity of published data.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 21-year-old previously healthy Caucasian individual was admitted for severe rectal and testicular pain in the setting of proctitis and epididymitis. Serology and rectal pathology confirmed acute primary cytomegalovirus infection.

CONCLUSIONS

This report details his diagnostic workup and highlights cytomegalovirus as a rare cause of sexually transmitted disease among immunocompetent persons.

CMV proctitis: a rare disease presentation in a young and immunocompetent man

A young adult man presented to an outlying emergency department with a sore throat, fever and chills. Upon failure of symptomatic management and a course of amoxicillin, he developed rectal pain and loose stools. Despite outpatient doxycycline treatment for presumed chlamydial proctitis, he developed worsening rectal pain and bloody stools. Results on abdominal and pelvic CT were consistent with proctitis. His symptoms worsened despite added metronidazole for bacterial proctitis. Workup revealed an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C reactive protein and calprotectin, suggestive of a diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A colonoscopy revealed proximal tightness of the rectum, and pathology reported features suggestive of IBD. He was treated with prednisone and mesalamine. However, immunostaining positive for cytomegalovirus (CMV) confirmed a diagnosis of tissue-invasive CMV proctitis. This was further supported by serological testing for CMV consistent with a diagnosis of CMV proctitis preceded by a primary CMV infection of the pharynx.

Accelerated aging with HIV begins at the time of initial HIV infection

Living with HIV infection is associated with early onset of aging-related chronic conditions, sometimes described as accelerated aging. Epigenetic DNA methylation patterns can evaluate acceleration of biological age relative to chronological age. The impact of initial HIV infection on five epigenetic measures of aging was examined before and approximately 3 years after HIV infection in the same individuals (n=102). Significant epigenetic age acceleration (median 1.9-4.8 years) and estimated telomere length shortening (all p≤ 0.001) were observed from pre-to post-HIV infection, and remained significant in three epigenetic measures after controlling for T cell changes. No acceleration was seen in age- and time interval-matched HIV-uninfected controls. Changes in genome-wide co-methylation clusters were also significantly associated with initial HIV infection (p≤ 2.0 × 10-4). These longitudinal observations clearly demonstrate an early and substantial impact of HIV infection on the epigenetic aging process, and suggest a role for HIV itself in the earlier onset of clinical aging.

A Mouse Model That Mimics AIDS-Related Cytomegalovirus Retinitis: Insights into Pathogenesis

With the appearance of the worldwide AIDS pandemic four decades ago came a number of debilitating opportunistic infections in patients immunosuppressed by the pathogenic human retrovirus HIV. Among these was a severe sight-threatening retinal disease caused by human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) that remains today a significant cause of vision loss and blindness in untreated AIDS patients without access or sufficient response to combination antiretroviral therapy. Early investigations of AIDS-related HCMV retinitis quickly characterized its hallmark clinical features and unique histopathologic presentation but did not begin to identify the precise virologic and immunologic events that allow the onset and development of this retinal disease during HIV-induced immunosuppression. Toward this end, several mouse models of experimental cytomegalovirus retinitis have been developed to provide new insights into the pathophysiology of HCMV retinitis during AIDS. Herein, we provide a summary and comparison of these mouse models of AIDS-related HCMV retinitis with particular emphasis on one mouse model developed in our laboratory in which mice with a murine acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (MAIDS) of murine retrovirus origin develops a reproducible and well characterized retinitis following intraocular infection with murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV). The MAIDS model of MCMV retinitis has advanced the discovery of many clinically relevant virologic and immunologic mechanisms of virus-induced retinal tissue destruction that are discussed and summarized in this review. These findings may extend to the pathogenesis of AIDS-related HCMV retinitis and other AIDS-related opportunistic virus infections.

Recent Approaches and Strategies in the Generation of Anti-human Cytomegalovirus Vaccines

Human cytomegalovirus is the largest human herpesvirus and shares many core features of other herpesviruses such as tightly regulated gene expression during genome replication and latency as well as the establishment of lifelong persistence following infection. In contrast to stereotypic clinical syndromes associated with alpha-herpesvirus infections, almost all primary HCMV infections are asymptomatic and acquired early in life in most populations in the world. Although asymptomatic in most individuals, HCMV is a major cause of disease in hosts with deficits in adaptive and innate immunity such as infants who are infected in utero and allograft recipients following transplantation. Congenital HCMV is a commonly acquired infection in the developing fetus that can result in a number of neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Similarly, HCMV is a major cause of disease in allograft recipients in the immediate and late posttransplant period and is thought to be a major contributor to chronic allograft rejection. Even though HCMV induces robust innate and adaptive immune responses, it also encodes a vast array of immune evasion functions that are thought aid in its persistence. Immune correlates of protective immunity that prevent or modify intrauterine HCMV infection remain incompletely defined but are thought to consist primarily of adaptive responses in the pregnant mother, thus making congenital HCMV a potentially vaccine modifiable disease. Similarly, HCMV infection in allograft recipients is often more severe in recipients without preexisting adaptive immunity to HCMV. Thus, there has been a considerable effort to modify HCMV specific immunity in transplant recipient either through active immunization or passive transfer of adaptive effector functions. Although efforts to develop an efficacious vaccine and/or passive immunotherapy to limit HCMV disease have been underway for nearly six decades, most have met with limited success at best. In contrast to previous efforts, current HCMV vaccine development has relied on observations of unique properties of HCMV in hopes of reproducing immune responses that at a minimum will be similar to that following natural infection. However, more recent findings have suggested that immunity following naturally acquired HCMV infection may have limited protective activity and almost certainly, is not sterilizing. Such observations suggest that either the induction of natural immunity must be specifically tailored to generate protective activity or alternatively, that providing targeted passive immunity to susceptible populations could be prove to be more efficacious.

Mechanisms of AIDS-related cytomegalovirus retinitis

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) generates a significant clinical burden worldwide, particularly among the immune compromised. In approximately 30% of untreated HIV/AIDS patients without access or sufficient response to antiretroviral therapies, for example, HCMV causes a sight-threatening retinitis. To study the mechanisms of AIDS-related HCMV retinitis, our lab has for many years used a mouse model in which a mixture of mouse retroviruses induces murine AIDS after approximately 10 weeks, rendering otherwise resistant mice susceptible to opportunistic pathogens. This immunodeficiency combined with subretinal inoculation of murine cytomegalovirus yields a reproducible model of the human disease, facilitating the discovery of many clinically relevant virologic and immunologic mechanisms of retinal destruction which we summarize in this review.

HIV and spinal cord disease

The epidemiology of spinal cord disease in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is largely unknown due to a paucity of data since combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). HIV mediates spinal cord injury indirectly, by immune modulation, degeneration, or associated infections and neoplasms. The pathologies vary and range from cytotoxic necrosis to demyelination and vasculitis. Control of HIV determines the differential for all neurologic presentations in infected individuals. Primary HIV-associated acute transverse myelitis, an acute inflammatory condition with pathologic similarities to HIV encephalitis, arises in early infection and at seroconversion. In contrast, HIV vacuolar myelopathy and opportunistic infections predominate in uncontrolled disease. There is systemic immune dysregulation as early as primary infection due to initial depletion of gut-associated lymphoid tissue CD4 cells and allowance of microbial translocation across the gut that never fully recovers throughout the course of HIV infection, regardless of how well controlled. The subsequent proinflammatory state may contribute to spinal cord diseases observed even after cART initiation. This chapter will highlight an array of spinal cord pathologies classified by stage of HIV infection and immune status.

Maternal Immunity and the Natural History of Congenital Human Cytomegalovirus Infection

Congenital human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the most common viral infection of the developing fetus, and a significant cause of neurodevelopmental abnormalities in infants and children. Congenital HCMV infections account for an estimated 25% of all cases of hearing loss in the US. It has long been argued that maternal adaptive immune responses to HCMV can modify both the likelihood of intrauterine transmission of HCMV, and the severity of fetal infection and risk of long term sequelae in infected infants. Over the last two decades, multiple studies have challenged this paradigm, including findings that have demonstrated that the vast majority of infants with congenital HCMV infections in most populations are born to women with established immunity prior to conception. Furthermore, the incidence of clinically apparent congenital HCMV infection in infants born to immune and non-immune pregnant women appears to be similar. These findings from natural history studies have important implications for the design, development, and testing of prophylactic vaccines and biologics for this perinatal infection. This brief overview will provide a discussion of existing data from human natural history studies and animal models of congenital HCMV infections that have described the role of maternal immunity in the natural history of this perinatal infection.

NKG2C+ memory-like NK cells contribute to the control of HIV viremia during primary infection: Optiprim-ANRS 147

Natural-killer (NK) cells are important immune effectors during a viral infection. Latent CMV infection is widely spread and was demonstrated to shape the NK cell repertoire through the NKG2C receptor. An expansion of NKG2C⁺ NK cells has been reported during primary HIV infection (PHI), but their role is not known. We previously found a correlation between the maturation state of the NK cell compartment and a lower viral load by studying patients from the ANRS 147 Optiprim trial. We investigated here extensively the NKG2C⁺ NK cells at the time of PHI and its evolution after 3 months of early antiretroviral therapy (combination antiretroviral therapy (cART)). Multiparametric cytometry combined with bioinformatics was used to determine subsets. NK^bright NKG2C⁺ progenitor, NK^dim NKG2C⁺ effector and NK^dim NKG2C⁺CD57⁺ memory-like populations were identified. Two groups of patients were unraveled according to the distribution of the NKG2C⁺ subsets skewed toward either progenitor/effector or memory-like phenotype. Patients with high NKG2C⁺CD57⁺ NK cell frequencies showed lower HIV-RNA, lower immune activation, higher pDC counts and reached more rapidly undetectable levels of HIV-RNA at M1 under cART. NKG2C⁺CD57⁺ NK cell frequency was the only factor strongly correlated to low viral load among other clinical features. While the patients were cytomegalovirus (CMV) infected, there was no sign of reactivation of CMV during PHI suggesting that memory-like NK cells were already present at the time of HIV infection and constituted a preexisting immune response able to contribute to natural control of HIV. This parameter appears to be a good candidate in the search of predictive markers to monitor HIV remission.

Persistence of Activated and Adaptive-Like NK Cells in HIV+ Individuals despite 2 Years of Suppressive Combination Antiretroviral Therapy

Innate immune dysfunction persists in HIV⁺ individuals despite effective combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). We recently demonstrated that an adaptive-like CD56^dim NK cell population lacking the signal transducing protein FcRγ is expanded in HIV⁺ individuals. Here, we analyzed a cohort of HIV⁺ men who have sex with men (MSM, n = 20) at baseline and following 6, 12, and 24 months of cART and compared them with uninfected MSM (n = 15) to investigate the impact of cART on NK cell dysfunction. Proportions of NK cells expressing markers of early (CD69⁺) and late (HLA-DR⁺/CD38⁺) activation were elevated in cART-naïve HIV⁺ MSM (p = 0.004 and 0.015, respectively), as were FcRγ⁻ NK cells (p = 0.003). Using latent growth curve modeling, we show that cART did not reduce levels of FcRγ⁻ NK cells (p = 0.115) or activated HLA-DR⁺/CD38⁺ NK cells (p = 0.129) but did reduce T cell and monocyte activation (p < 0.001 for all). Proportions of FcRγ⁻ NK cells were not associated with NK cell, T cell, or monocyte activation, suggesting different factors drive CD56^dim FcRγ⁻ NK cell expansion and immune activation in HIV⁺ individuals. While proportions of activated CD69⁺ NK cells declined significantly on cART (p = 0.003), the rate was significantly slower than the decline of T cell and monocyte activation, indicating a reduced potency of cART against NK cell activation. Our findings indicate that 2 years of suppressive cART have no impact on CD56^dim FcRγ⁻ NK cell expansion and that NK cell activation persists after normalization of other immune parameters. This may have implications for the development of malignancies and co-morbidities in HIV⁺ individuals on cART.

Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Viral and Bacterial Infections in HIV-Positive and HIV-Negative Men Who Have Sex with Men in Toronto

Background

Hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have been associated with HIV transmission risk and disease progression among gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM), but the frequency and distribution of STIs in this community in Canada has not been extensively studied.

Methods

We recruited MSM living with and without HIV from a large primary care clinic in Toronto. Participants completed a detailed socio-behavioural questionnaire using ACASI and provided blood for syphilis, HIV, HBV and HCV, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2), and human cytomegalovirus (CMV) serology, urine for chlamydia and gonorrhea, and a self-collected anal swab for human papillomavirus (HPV) molecular diagnostics. Prevalences were expressed as a proportion and compared using chi-square.

Results

442 MSM were recruited, 294 living with HIV and 148 without. Active syphilis (11.0% vs. 3.4%), ever HBV (49.4% vs. 19.1%), HCV (10.4% vs. 3.4%), HSV-2 (55.9% vs. 38.2%), CMV (98.3% vs. 80.3%) and high-risk (HR) anal HPV (67.6% vs. 51.7%) infections were significantly more common in men living with HIV. Chlamydia and gonorrhea were infrequent in both groups. Regardless of HIV infection status, age and number of lifetime male sexual partners were associated with HBV infection and lifetime injection drug use with HCV infection.

Conclusions

Syphilis and viral infections, including HBV, HCV, HSV-2, CMV, and HR-HPV, were common in this clinic-based population of MSM in Toronto and more frequent among MSM living with HIV. This argues for the implementation of routine screening, vaccine-based prevention, and education programs in this high-risk population.

Correlation between anti-JC-virus and anti-cytomegalovirus, -Epstein-Barr virus and -measles/-rubella/-varicella-zoster-virus antibodies

Anti-JCV antibody status is used for PML-risk-stratification in MS patients before and during Natalizumab therapy. JCV antibodies can be detected in around 60% of MS patients, however, only a small proportion actually develop PML. As anti-viral antibodies tend to occur unspecifically, the aim of this study was to correlate JCV antibody status and index with other common anti-viral antibodies. A total of 123 samples of MS-patients were tested for anti-JCV antibodies by JCV-Stratify-ELISA at Unilabs, Denmark. The same samples were analyzed for measles, rubella, varicella zoster, EBV, and CMV IgG and IgM antibodies by ELISA, or chemiluminescence-microparticle immunoassay. For all antibody-titers correlations were calculated and group comparisons of JCV-positive and -negative patients were performed. Fifty-three patients (43.1%) were JCV negative and 70 (56.9%) positive. CMV-IgM antibodies were detected in six patients. Otherwise no IgM antibodies were detected. IgG antibodies against measles, rubella, varicella zoster, and EBV were detected in ≥97% of patients and 47 samples (38.2%) tested positive for CMV-IgG. There was no significant correlation between any of the antibody titers including JCV index, however, a significantly higher prevalence (P = 0.003) of CMV-IgG in JCV positive compared to JCV negative patients, whereas no difference was detected for measles, rubella, varicella zoster, and EBV IgG. In conclusion, the JCV antibody response in MS patients seems to be largely independent of any other anti-viral immunity. The only coincidence was found with CMV IgG antibodies which might point towards some immunological cross-reactivity in anti-viral immune response or other mechanisms leading to combined viral infections such as shared transmission. J. Med. Virol. 89:3-9, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Recent approaches and strategies in the generation of antihuman cytomegalovirus vaccines

The development of prophylactic and to lesser extent therapeutic vaccines for the prevention of disease associated with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infections has received considerable attention from biomedical researchers and pharmaceutical companies over the previous 15 years, even though attempts to produce such vaccines have been described in the literature for over 40 years. Studies of the natural history of congenital HCMV infection and infection in allograft recipients have suggested that prophylaxis of disease associated with HCMV infection could be possible, particularly in hosts at risk for more severe disease secondary to the lack of preexisting immunity. Provided a substantial understanding of immune response to HCMV together with several animal models that faithfully recapitulate aspects of human infection and immunity, investigators seem well positioned to design and test candidate vaccines. Yet more recent studies of the role of a maternal immunity in the natural history of congenital HCMV infection, including the recognition that reinfection of previously immune women by genetically distinct strains of HCMV occur in populations with a high seroprevalence, have raised several questions about the nature of protective immunity in maternal populations. This finding coupled with observations that have documented a significant incidence of damaging congenital infections in offspring of women with immunity to HCMV prior to conception has suggested that vaccine development based on conventional paradigms of adaptive immunity to viral infections may be of limited value in the prevention of damaging congenital HCMV infections. Perhaps a more achievable goal will be prophylactic vaccines to modify HCMV associated disease in allograft transplant recipients. Although recent descriptions of the results from vaccine trials have been heralded as evidence of an emerging success in the quest for a HCMV vaccine, careful analyses of these studies have also revealed that major hurdles remain to be addressed by current strategies.

Cytomegalovirus proctitis: a rare and disregarded sexually transmitted disease

A review of published cases and a recently managed patient is presented, which describes the clinical features of cytomegalovirus proctitis. About half of the reports describe sexually transmitted cytomegalovirus proctitis following anal intercourse, which typically presents with rectal bleeding and a mononucleosis-like syndrome. This condition resolves spontaneously and may be associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection.

Cytomegalovirus infection and the gastrointestinal tract

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is common worldwide, but the majority are asymptomatic. However, during initial infection or reactivation, CMV can cause tissue-invasive end-organ damage including in the gastrointestinal tract, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Gastrointestinal CMV disease can present with myriad of symptoms and be highly variable endoscopically. In this article we review the manifestations of CMV infection within the luminal gastrointestinal tract and discuss the options for diagnosis and management.

Incidence of cytomegalovirus retinitis in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy

PURPOSE

To estimate the incidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and to characterize the factors associated with increased risk of CMV retinitis.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

METHODS

A total of 1600 participants with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) but without CMV retinitis at enrollment who completed at least 1 follow-up visit in the Longitudinal Study of the Ocular Complications of AIDS (LSOCA) were seen every 6 months to obtain disease and treatment history, ophthalmic examination, and laboratory testing. Incidence of CMV retinitis and risk factors for incident CMV retinitis were assessed.

RESULTS

The incidence rate of CMV retinitis in individuals with AIDS was 0.36/100 person-years (PY) based upon 29 incident cases during 8134 PY of follow-up. The rate was higher for those with a CD4+ T cell count at the immediately prior visit below 50 cells/μL (3.89/100 PY, P < .01), whereas only 1 individual with a CD4+ T cell count of 50 to 99 cells/μL and 2 individuals with a CD4+ T cell count >100 cells/μL developed CMV retinitis. Having a CD4+ T cell count below 50 cells/μL at the clinical visit prior to CMV retinitis evaluation was the single most important risk factor (HR: 136, 95% CI: 30 to 605, P < .0001) for developing retinitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with AIDS, especially those with severely compromised immune systems, remain at risk for developing CMV retinitis in the HAART era, although the incidence rate is reduced from that observed in the pre-HAART era.

Cytomegalovirus retinitis and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome--bench to bedside: LXVII Edward Jackson Memorial Lecture

PURPOSE

To update information on cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and to integrate information on its pathogenesis and clinical outcomes.

DESIGN

Literature review.

METHODS

Selected articles from the medical literature, particularly large epidemiologic studies, including the Johns Hopkins Cytomegalovirus Retinitis Cohort Study, the Longitudinal Study of the Ocular Complications of AIDS, and the Cytomegalovirus Retinitis and Viral Resistance Study, were reviewed. Clinical information is discussed in light of knowledge on CMV, its pathogenesis, and its interactions with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

RESULTS

Cytomegalovirus uses several mechanisms to evade the immune system and establish latent infection in immunologically normal hosts. With immune deficiency, such as late-stage AIDS, CMV reactivates, is disseminated to the eye, and establishes a productive infection, resulting in retinal necrosis. HIV and CMV potentiate each other: CMV accelerates HIV disease, and CMV retinitis is associated with increased mortality. Randomized clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of treatments for CMV retinitis. Systemically administered treatment for CMV retinitis decreases AIDS mortality. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) effectively suppresses HIV replication, resulting in immune recovery, which, if sufficient, controls retinitis without anti-CMV therapy. Resistant CMV, detected in the blood, correlates with resistant virus in the eye and is associated with worse clinical outcomes, including mortality. Host factors, including host genetics and access to care, play a role in the development of CMV retinitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical outcomes of CMV retinitis in patients with AIDS are dependent on characteristics of the virus and host and on HIV-CMV interactions.

Review of cytomegalovirus seroprevalence and demographic characteristics associated with infection

Cytomegalovirus establishes a lifelong latent infection following primary infection that can periodically reactivate with shedding of infectious virus. Primary infection, reactivation and reinfection during pregnancy can all lead to in utero transmission to the developing fetus. Congenital CMV infections are a major cause of permanent hearing loss and neurological impairment. In this literature review, we found that CMV infection was relatively common among women of reproductive age, with seroprevalence ranging from 45 to 100%. CMV seroprevalence tended to be highest in South America, Africa and Asia and lowest in Western Europe and United States. Within the United States, CMV seroprevalence showed substantial geographic variation as well, differing by as much as 30 percentage points between states, though differences might be explained by variation in the types of populations sampled. Worldwide, seroprevalence among non-whites tended to be 20-30 percentage points higher than that of whites (summary prevalence ratio (PR) = 1.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.57-1.61). Females generally had higher seroprevalences than males, although in most studies the differences were small (summary PR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.11-1.14). Persons of lower socioeconomic status were more likely to be CMV seropositive (summary PR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.32-1.35). Despite high seroprevalences in some populations, a substantial percentage of women of reproductive age are CMV seronegative and thus at risk of primary CMV infection during pregnancy. Future vaccine or educational campaigns to prevent primary infection in pregnant women may need to be tailored to suit the needs of different populations.

Optimal management of cytomegalovirus retinitis in patients with AIDS

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is the most common cause of vision loss in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). CMV retinitis afflicted 25% to 42% of AIDS patients in the pre-highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) era, with most vision loss due to macula-involving retinitis or retinal detachment. The introduction of HAART significantly decreased the incidence and severity of CMV retinitis. Optimal treatment of CMV retinitis requires a thorough evaluation of the patient's immune status and an accurate classification of the retinal lesions. When retinitis is diagnosed, HAART therapy should be started or improved, and anti-CMV therapy with oral valganciclovir, intravenous ganciclovir, foscarnet, or cidofovir should be administered. Selected patients, especially those with zone 1 retinitis, may receive intravitreal drug injections or surgical implantation of a sustained-release ganciclovir reservoir. Effective anti-CMV therapy coupled with HAART significantly decreases the incidence of vision loss and improves patient survival. Immune recovery uveitis and retinal detachments are important causes of moderate to severe loss of vision. Compared with the early years of the AIDS epidemic, the treatment emphasis in the post- HAART era has changed from short-term control of retinitis to long-term preservation of vision. Developing countries face shortages of health care professionals and inadequate supplies of anti-CMV and anti-HIV medications. Intravitreal ganciclovir injections may be the most cost effective strategy to treat CMV retinitis in these areas.

The evolutionary rate dynamically tracks changes in HIV-1 epidemics: application of a simple method for optimizing the evolutionary rate in phylogenetic trees with longitudinal data

Large-sequence datasets provide an opportunity to investigate the dynamics of pathogen epidemics. Thus, a fast method to estimate the evolutionary rate from large and numerous phylogenetic trees becomes necessary. Based on minimizing tip height variances, we optimize the root in a given phylogenetic tree to estimate the most homogenous evolutionary rate between samples from at least two different time points. Simulations showed that the method had no bias in the estimation of evolutionary rates and that it was robust to tree rooting and topological errors. We show that the evolutionary rates of HIV-1 subtype B and C epidemics have changed over time, with the rate of evolution inversely correlated to the rate of virus spread. For subtype B, the evolutionary rate slowed down and tracked the start of the HAART era in 1996. Subtype C in Ethiopia showed an increase in the evolutionary rate when the prevalence increase markedly slowed down in 1995. Thus, we show that the evolutionary rate of HIV-1 on the population level dynamically tracks epidemic events.

Use of saliva as a lubricant in anal sexual practices among homosexual men

OBJECTIVES

Compared with other sexually active adults, men who have sex with men (MSM) are more frequently infected with several pathogens including cytomegalovirus, hepatitis B virus, and Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus. Because one common element between these organisms is their presence in saliva, we evaluated saliva exposure among MSM in a heretofore relatively unrecognized route-via use of saliva as a lubricant in anal sex.

METHODS

MSM in a San Francisco population-based cohort were interviewed regarding use of saliva by the insertive partner as a lubricant in various anal sexual practices.

RESULTS

Among 283 MSM, 87% used saliva as a lubricant in insertive or receptive penile-anal intercourse or fingering/fisting at some point during their lifetime; 31%-47% did so, depending upon the act, in the prior 6 months. Saliva use as a lubricant was more common among younger men and among HIV-infected men when with HIV-infected partners. Even among MSM following safe sex guidelines by avoiding unprotected penile-anal intercourse, 26% had anal exposure to saliva via use as a lubricant.

CONCLUSIONS

Among MSM, use of saliva as a lubricant is a common, but not ubiquitous, practice in anal sex. The findings provide the rationale for formal investigation of whether saliva use in this way contributes to transmission of saliva-borne pathogens in MSM.

Manifestations of human cytomegalovirus infection: proposed mechanisms of acute and chronic disease

Infections with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in humans with acquired or developmental deficits in innate and adaptive immunity. In the normal immunocompetent host, symptoms rarely accompany acute infections, although prolonged virus shedding is frequent. Virus persistence is established in all infected individuals and appears to be maintained by both a chronic productive infections as well as latency with restricted viral gene expression. The contributions of the each of these mechanisms to the persistence of this virus in the individual is unknown but frequent virus shedding into the saliva and genitourinary tract likely accounts for the near universal incidence of infection in most populations in the world. The pathogenesis of disease associated with acute HCMV infection is most readily attributable to lytic virus replication and end organ damage either secondary to virus replication and cell death or from host immunological responses that target virus-infected cells. Antiviral agents limit the severity of disease associated with acute HCMV infections, suggesting a requirement for virus replication in clinical syndromes associated with acute infection. End organ disease secondary to unchecked virus replication can be observed in infants infected in utero, allograft recipients receiving potent immunosuppressive agents, and patients with HIV infections that exhibit a loss of adaptive immune function. In contrast, diseases associated with chronic or persistent infections appear in normal individuals and in the allografts of the transplant recipient. The manifestations of these infections appear related to chronic inflammation, but it is unclear if poorly controlled virus replication is necessary for the different phenotypic expressions of disease that are reported in these patients. Although the relationship between HCMV infection and chronic allograft rejection is well known, the mechanisms that account for the role of this virus in graft loss are not well understood. However, the capacity of this virus to persist in the midst of intense inflammation suggests that its persistence could serve as a trigger for the induction of host-vs-graft responses or alternatively host responses to HCMV could contribute to the inflammatory milieu characteristic of chronic allograft rejection.

Treatment of cytomegalovirus retinitis with oral valganciclovir in an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patient unresponsive to combination antiretroviral therapy

BACKGROUND

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis was a much-feared visual complication of late-stage acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in the past. Its incidence has waned significantly owing to the benefits of potent antiretroviral combination therapy, which for many individuals has provided some degree of immune reconstitution and avoidance of opportunistic infections, particularly this blinding disease.

CASE REPORT

A 45-year-old white man with long-standing, multidrug-resistant human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and severe immunodeficiency despite multiple antiretroviral drug regimens, presented to the eye clinic reporting decreased vision and spider web patterns in his left eye for the past week. Best-corrected visual acuity was 20/20 in the right (O.D.) and 20/25 in the left eye (O.S.). Dilated funduscopic examination of the left eye found vasculitis of the midperipheral inferonasal arcade in the midperiphery, with surrounding intraretinal hemorrhage and granular retinal necrosis. Diagnosis of cytomegalovirus retinitis was made, and the patient began induction therapy with oral valganciclovir 900 mg twice a day for 3 weeks. Maintenance therapy after retinitis stabilization was 900 mg every day until any observed recurrence of infection. Three months after complete resolution of the active retinitis, the patient returned to the clinic reporting new floaters of recent onset. A reactivation of the CMV retinitis warranted a reinduction with valganciclovir 900 mg orally twice a day for 3 weeks.

CONCLUSION

This case is illustrative of the efficacy and relative ease of administration of valganciclovir, the newest medication approved for treatment and maintenance of CMV retinitis. Despite his severe immunodeficiency, our patient tolerated the induction and maintenance therapy of oral valganciclovir well, and the CMV retinitis was stabilized and resolved with full recovery of visual acuity.

How outbreaks of infectious disease are detected: a review of surveillance systems and outbreaks

To learn how outbreaks of infectious disease are detected and to describe the entities and information systems that together function to identify outbreaks in the U.S., the authors drew on multiple sources of information to create a description of existing surveillance systems and how they interact to detect outbreaks. The results of this analysis were summarized in a system diagram. The authors reviewed a sample of recent outbreaks to determine how they were detected, with reference to the system diagram. The de facto U.S. system for detection of outbreaks consists of five components: the clinical health care system, local/state health agencies, federal agencies, academic/professional organizations, and collaborating governmental organizations. Primary data collection occurs at the level of clinical health care systems and local health agencies. The review of a convenience sample of outbreaks showed that all five components of the system participated in aggregating, analyzing, and sharing data. The authors conclude that the current U.S. approach to detection of disease outbreaks is complex and involves many organizations interacting in a loosely coupled manner. State and local health departments and the health care system are major components in the detection of outbreaks.

Clinical risk factors for cytomegalovirus retinitis in patients with AIDS

PURPOSE

To determine the clinical risk factors for cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in patients with AIDS.

DESIGN

A case-control study.

PARTICIPANTS

The study included 120 patients in whom CMV retinitis had been diagnosed from 1990 through 1999 (cases) and 159 patients without CMV retinitis from the same period (controls). All individuals had AIDS and CD4 counts less than 50 cells/microl at the time of diagnosis of retinitis in the cases or on the corresponding date for the controls.

METHODS

Clinical risk factors were determined by history or physical examination. Confounders controlled for included CD4 count, hospital center, and a series of variables to control for confounding by drug treatment. Statistical analysis was performed by multivariate logistic regression. A systematic model-building strategy was developed from assumption testing to model building to model checking. MAIN VARIABLES MEASURED: Presence of visual symptoms, retinal microinfarctions (cotton-wool spots), history of opportunistic infections, and risk factors for human immunodeficiency virus acquisition were determined and compared in both groups.

RESULTS

The following clinical risk factors were significant predictors of CMV retinitis: flashing lights or floaters (odds ratio [OR], 11.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.43 to 38.01), cotton-wool spots (OR, 2.90; 95% CI, 1.01 to 8.29), number of previous opportunistic infections (OR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.24 to 2.64), previous nonocular CMV infection (OR, 82.99; 95% CI, 6.86 to 1004.58), previous Mycobacterium infection (OR, 3.41; 95% CI, 0.99 to 11.85), and homosexuality (OR, 2.83; 95% CI, 1.13 to 7.12).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on this study, clinical variables have been identified that elevate the risk of CMV retinitis. These findings may be useful to clinicians and health policy experts in developing rational guidelines for screening, examination frequency, and targeted prophylaxis for CMV retinitis in patients with AIDS.

Cytomegalovirus Disease in the Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy Era

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in AIDS patients. Epidemiologic studies indicate that until 10 years ago, nearly one half of HIV-infected patients eventually developed CMV end-organ disease, including chorioretinitis, esophagitis, colitis, pneumonia, and central nervous system disease. Since the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) this incidence has declined dramatically. Nonetheless, patients still present with CMV disease and resistance or intolerance to HAART does develop, which may give rise to a resurgence of CMV syndromes in AIDS patients. Until recently, only intravenous ganciclovir and foscarnet were available for management of CMV infection. With the advent of additional agents, clinicians now face the challenge of optimizing therapy for individual patients. This paper reviews the most common clinical syndromes caused by CMV, the treatment options, as well as an approach to diagnosing and treating antiviral resistance.

CNS manifestations of cytomegalovirus infections: diagnosis and treatment

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection of the CNS occurs most commonly in patients with severe immunosuppression such as those with advanced HIV infection (i.e. AIDS) or those who have undergone bone marrow or solid organ transplantation. Immunocompetent patients are affected very rarely. The infection of the CNS may affect the brain (diffuse encephalitis, ventriculoencephalitis, cerebral mass lesions) or the spinal cord (transverse myelitis, polyradiculomyelitis). Diagnosis is very difficult and should be based on clinical presentation, results of imaging and virological markers. The most specific diagnostic tool is the detection of CMV DNA by polymerase chain reaction in the CSF. Treatment should be initiated promptly if CMV infection is suspected. Antiviral therapy consists of intravenous ganciclovir, intravenous foscarnet or a combination of both. Cidofovir is the treatment of second choice. Patients who experience clinical improvement or stabilisation during induction therapy should be given maintenance therapy. After immune reconstitution (in HIV-positive patients) or discontinuation of immunosuppressive therapy (in transplant recipients), maintenance therapy may be stopped. Despite therapy, the prognosis for long-term survival is very poor, especially in patients with AIDS.

Antiviral therapy for cytomegalovirus infections in pediatric patients

Appreciation of the spectrum of illness caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections has increased markedly during the past 2 decades. The number of immunosuppressed patients also has increased during the same time period, reflecting the central tenet that CMV disease is most severe in this patient population. Fortunately, antiviral therapies with activity against CMV also have been identified during this same time course, and they include ganciclovir, foscamet, and cidofovir. Although all 3 of these therapies can have significant toxicities associated with them, nonetheless they are employed with relative frequency to treat potentially life-threatening CMV disease. Ganciclovir is the first-line compound used, followed by foscarnet and cidofovir. This article summarizes those CMV infections that require antiviral therapy and outlines therapeutic options for each.

Cytomegalovirus seroepidemiology in an urban community of São Paulo, Brazil

INTRODUCTION: After the era of rubella vaccine, cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is one of the most frequently causes of mental retardation and congenital deafness. Seroepidemiological studies are necessary to understand the transmission dynamics of the disease. The purpose of the study was to quantify the transmission rate of CMV disease in a community in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: Using ELISA test (IgG), a retrospective serological survey looking for CMV antibodies was performed in an non-immunized community. Frozen sera from 443 individuals, randomly selected by cluster sampling technique in the town of Caieiras, São Paulo, were collected from November 1990 to January 1991. Seroprevalence was stratified by age (0-40 years). Mathematical techniques were applied to determine the age-dependent decay function of maternal antibodies during the first year of life, the age-dependent seroprevalence function and the force of infection for CMV in this community. RESULTS: It was observed a descending phase of seropositivity in the first 9 months, but changes in antibody titration were observed between 8 months old and one year of age. The average age of the first infection was 5.02 months of age and 19.84 years, when the age-dependent seroprevalence and the force of infection were analyzed between 10 months of age and 10 years of age and from 10 to 40 years old, respectively. CONCLUSION: CMV infection is highly prevalent among the population studied and infection occurs in the first year of life. This study shows that most women at reproductive age are vulnerable to the first infection, increasing the risk for congenital infection.

Comparison of assays to detect cytomegalovirus shedding in the semen of HIV-infected men

We sought to determine the optimal assays for cytomegalovirus (CMV) shedding in semen. Over a 2-month period, 149 HIV-1-infected men who have sex with men each provided up to three semen specimens. Specimens were tested for CMV by culture, rapid assay (shell vial) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). By culture, 30% of seminal plasma and 28% of seminal cell specimens grew CMV. By rapid assay, results were 38 and 33%, respectively. By PCR, 56% of seminal cell specimens demonstrated CMV: 20% in a single semen specimen; 33% in two specimens; and 34% in all three specimens. Overall, 69% of men had CMV detected by PCR in at least one seminal cell specimen. By quantitative PCR, 14% had ten, 14% had 100, 16% had 1000, and 12% had 10000 copies in 6.25 microl of semen analyzed. Adjusting for initial CD4+ cell count, men with CMV shedding demonstrated by PCR at the first visit were approximately four times as likely to shed CMV at a subsequent visit (RR 4.28, CI: 2.30-7.95). CMV shedding was associated with decreased CD4+ cell counts in peripheral blood (P=0.05). It is concluded that the PCR assay provided the greatest sensitivity among the three detection methods.

Analytical performance and clinical utility of a nucleic acid sequence-based amplification assay for detection of cytomegalovirus infection

A nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA) assay for qualitative detection of human cytomegalovirus (CMV) pp67 mRNA was evaluated in a multicenter study. Negative results were obtained for all specimens from 50 CMV-seronegative and 50 CMV-seropositive low-risk whole-blood donors. No interference with CMV mRNA amplification was observed in the testing of 288 specimens containing various potential interfering substances, nonspecifically reacting substances (including mRNA from other herpesviruses), and three anticoagulants. A total of 95% (50 of 51) of CMV-positive (cell culture- and antigenemia immunofluorescence [AG-IFA]-positive) clinical specimens were positive by the NASBA assay. Results from different operators over multiple testing days were consistent for each of four panel members containing different concentrations of CMV mRNA, indicating the reproducibility of the assay. The estimated 95% reliable upper detection limit of the assay was 600 mRNA copies; the lower limit of detection was less than 25 mRNA copies. The clinical utility of the assay was evaluated with longitudinally collected specimens from solid-organ transplant patients (n = 21). A total of 98% (81 of 83) of the specimens from CMV-negative patients were negative by the NASBA assay, while 90% (10 of 11) of patient specimens that were positive by cell culture or AG-IFA were positive by the NASBA assay. Positive NASBA assay results were obtained earlier than AG-IFA or cell culture results for 55% of the patients and at the same time for the remainder of the patients (45%). The overall agreement between the NASBA assay and current reference tests was 86% when active CMV infection was present. These studies indicate that the CMV pp67 mRNA NASBA assay has reproducible and sensitive performance characteristics that should enable more rapid diagnosis of CMV infection.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and human cytomegalovirus among HIV-infected and high-risk uninfected adolescents: findings of the REACH Study. Adolescent Medicine HIV/AIDS Research Network

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

In adolescents and young adults, multiple studies have identified sexual activity and behaviors as significant risk factors for acquiring both human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV). However, there are no reports on the prevalence or risk factors for infection of these viruses and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in an adolescent population with sexually acquired HIV.

GOALS

To examine the seroprevalence and risk factors of HBV, HCV, and HCMV infection in a population of HIV-infected male and female adolescents and in an age- and risk behavior-matched HIV-uninfected cohort.

STUDY DESIGN

A cross-sectional analysis of HBV, HCV, and HCMV infections in a cohort of HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected adolescents.

RESULTS

Adolescent males infected with HIV were more likely to have evidence of HBV and HCMV infection than HIV-uninfected males (23.7% versus 0%, respectively, for HBV, P = 0.008; 79.7% versus 50%, respectively, for HCMV, P = 0.004). HIV-infected females were more likely to have evidence of HCMV infection (78.5% versus 61.4%, P = 0.003) than HIV-uninfected females. No significant difference was found for HBV infection in the two groups of females. The rate of HCV infection (1.6%) was too small to make comparisons between the groups. To determine whether the differences in infection rates for HBV and HCMV could be explained by factors other than HIV status, a variety of possible risk factors were examined using univariate and multivariate analyses. A significant risk factor for HBV and HCMV infections for males was a homosexual or bisexual orientation. For females, a risk factor for HBV infection was having more than 10 lifetime sexual partners; for HCMV infection, HIV infection was the only risk factor. In addition, in the HIV-infected cohort, 15% of females and 36% of males who were seropositive for HBV had evidence of active HBV infection.

CONCLUSIONS

These results emphasize the need for continued development of primary and secondary prevention programs and clinical screening and treatment for HBV and HCMV in adolescents.

Perianal cytomegalovirus ulcer in an HIV infected patient: case report and review of literature

We report the case of a 25-year-old man with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, presenting with perianal ulcer and diarrhea. He had positive immunocytochemical tests for Cytomegalovirus (CMV) in circulating polymorphonuclear cells (PMN). The biopsy specimen was suggestive of CMV infection, and specific immunoperoxidase for CMV antigens positively stained endothelial cells and fibroblasts. In this report we review cutaneous CMV infection in immunocompromised patients.

Therapeutic developments in cytomegalovirus retinitis

The incidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in AIDS has declined significantly due to the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). However, patients with HIV, especially those failing HAART, may still suffer with CMV retinitis, which can lead to significant loss of vision and blindness. Ganciclovir has traditionally been considered the recommended treatment for CMV retinitis; however, due to side effects and the possibility of developing viral resistance, other agents may be preferred in certain situations. Foscarnet, which has similar efficacy to ganciclovir but a different side effect profile, is more difficult to administer and is less well-tolerated. Intravenous cidofovir, which may be more effective than either iv. ganciclovir or foscarnet, can also be used as a first line agent; however, it is associated with toxicity (renal and ocular) and thus needs careful use. Local therapy for CMV retinitis has been a significant advance. The intraocular ganciclovir implant has the highest efficacy of the approved agents and is well-tolerated. Fomivirsen, an oligonucleotide injected intravitreally, is a newly approved agent which offers alternative treatment. Intravitreal ganciclovir or foscarnet, although not approved, have been used successfully in some patients especially those with recurrent or refractory disease. The development of new anti-CMV agents has been stalled by the decreased incidence of the disease. Valganciclovir, a prodrug of ganciclovir, offers excellent oral bioavailability and is the closest to approval of all the new anti-CMV drugs. High ganciclovir blood levels are achieved without the complications associated with the requirement for long-term iv. access. The monoclonal antibody (mAb) MSL-109, did not offer a significant advantage when added to traditional anti-CMV therapy. Development plans of other agents such as cyclic HPMPC and lobucavir have been put on hold by their respective manufacturers. Adefovir is a nucleotide analogue that possesses anti-CMV activity, but is currently only being pursued for the treatment of hepatitis B virus. Other compounds possessing significant anti-CMV activity, including BAY 38-4766 and GW1263W94 are still in the early stages of development.

New strategies for prevention and therapy of cytomegalovirus infection and disease in solid-organ transplant recipients

In the past three decades since the inception of human organ transplantation, cytomegalovirus (CMV) has gained increasing clinical import because it is a common pathogen in the immunocompromised transplant recipient. Patients may suffer from severe manifestations of this infection along with the threat of potential fatality. Additionally, the dynamic evolution of immunosuppressive and antiviral agents has brought forth changes in the natural history of CMV infection and disease. Transplant physicians now face the daunting task of recognizing and managing the changing spectrum of CMV infection and its consequences in the organ recipient. For the microbiology laboratory, the emphasis has been geared toward the development of more sophisticated detection assays, including methods to detect emerging antiviral resistance. The discovery of novel antiviral chemotherapy is an important theme of clinical research. Investigations have also focused on preventative measures for CMV disease in the solid-organ transplant population. In all, while much has been achieved in the overall management of CMV infection, the current understanding of CMV pathogenesis and therapy still leaves much to be learned before success can be claimed.

Pathogenesis of experimental rhesus cytomegalovirus infection

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) establishes and maintains a lifelong persistence following infection in an immunocompetent host. The determinants of a stable virus-host relationship are poorly defined. A nonhuman primate model for HCMV was used to investigate virological and host parameters of infection in a healthy host. Juvenile rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) were inoculated with rhesus cytomegalovirus (RhCMV), either orally or intravenously (i.v. ), and longitudinally necropsied. None of the animals displayed clinical signs of disease, although hematologic abnormalities were observed intermittently in i.v. inoculated animals. RhCMV DNA was detected transiently in the plasma of all animals at 1 to 2 weeks postinfection (wpi) and in multiple tissues beginning at 2 to 4 wpi. Splenic tissue was the only organ positive for RhCMV DNA in all animals. The location of splenic cells expressing RhCMV immediate-early protein 1 (IE1) in i.v. inoculated animals changed following inoculation. At 4 to 5 wpi, most IE1-positive cells were perifollicular, and at 25 wpi, the majority were located within the red pulp. All animals developed anti-RhCMV immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies within 1 to 2 wpi and IgG antibodies within 2 to 4 wpi against a limited number of viral proteins. Host reactivity to RhCMV proteins increased in titer (total and neutralizing) and avidity with time. These results demonstrate that while antiviral immune responses were able to protect from disease, they were insufficient to eliminate reservoirs of persistent viral gene expression.

Cytomegalovirus colitis after administration of docetaxel-5-fluorouracil-cisplatin chemotherapy for locally advanced hypopharyngeal cancer

We present the case of a patient with a locally advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma who developed a severe cytomegalovirus (CMV) colitis after his first chemotherapy course with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), docetaxel and cisplatin. The most probable cause of his CMV colitis is the impaired immunity during a phase of neutropenia after the chemotherapy. Although there was amelioration of the colitis and clinical status after treatment with ganciclovir, the patient later deteriorated and died due to recurrent bacterial infections. This is the third reported case of CMV colitis treated with ganciclovir in a patient with a solid tumour. It is the first report of CMV colitis after docetaxel containing chemotherapy. Although CMV colitis is most frequently observed in immunosuppressed patients such as those with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), transplants and corticosteroid treatment, it has also been reported in less immunosuppressed (elderly, malnourished,...) and even non-immunosuppressed patients. CMV infection should therefore be included in the differential diagnosis of GI disease in all patients, and when suspected, the clinician should pursue appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.

Human cytomegalovirus and human herpesvirus 6 genes that transform and transactivate

This review is an update on the transforming genes of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6). Both viruses have been implicated in the etiology of several human cancers. In particular, HCMV has been associated with cervical carcinoma and adenocarcinomas of the prostate and colon. In vitro transformation studies have established three HCMV morphologic transforming regions (mtr), i.e., mtrI, mtrII, and mtrIII. Of these, only mtrII (UL111A) is retained and expressed in both transformed and tumor-derived cells. The transforming and tumorigenic activities of the mtrII oncogene were localized to an open reading frame (ORF) encoding a 79-amino-acid (aa) protein. Furthermore, mtrII protein bound to the tumor suppressor protein p53 and inhibited its ability to transactivate a p53-responsive promoter. In additional studies, the HCMV immediate-early protein IE86 (IE2; UL122) was found to interact with cell cycle-regulatory proteins such as p53 and Rb. However, IE86 exhibited transforming activity in vitro only in cooperation with adenovirus E1A. HHV-6 is a T-cell-tropic virus associated with AIDS-related and other lymphoid malignancies. In vitro studies identified three transforming fragments, i.e., SalI-L, ZVB70, and ZVH14. Of these, only SalI-L (DR7) was retained in transformed and tumor-derived cells. The transforming and tumorigenic activities of SalI-L have been localized to a 357-aa ORF-1 protein. The ORF-1 protein was expressed in transformed cells and, like HCMV mtrII, bound to p53 and inhibited its ability to transactivate a p53-responsive promoter. HHV-6 has also been proposed to be a cofactor in AIDS because both HHV-6 and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) have been demonstrated to coinfect human CD4(+) T cells, causing accelerated cytopathic effects. Interestingly, like the transforming proteins of DNA tumor viruses such as simian virus 40 and adenovirus, ORF-1 was also a transactivator and specifically up-regulated the HIV-1 long terminal repeat when cotransfected into CD4(+) T cells. Finally, based on the interactions of HCMV and HHV-6 transforming proteins with tumor suppressor proteins, a scheme is proposed for their role in oncogenesis.