Fatal CMV pneumonitis in critically ill COVID-19 patient–a case series of 4 patient

Abstract

BackgroundThe SARS-CoV-2 epidemic has wreaked havoc on the world's leading healthcare systems, especially in intensive care. While cytomegalovirus (CMV) co-infections are widespread in severely ill patients because of an underlying immune suppression brought on by various causes, their influence on patients riddled with COVID-19 is unknown. Nevertheless, there is a correlation between severe COVID-19 and significant immune suppression, which has an impact on the reactivation of the coronavirus (CMV) and subsequently affects the clinical outcome. Case presentationThe authors provide a case series of four patients with severe COVID-19-related respiratory failure referred to a high dependency unit (HDU). During their stay in the HDU, all the patients acquired CMV reactivation. ConclusionCOVID pneumonia and immunosuppressants are used to suppress cytokine storms, but they can also play a role in CMV reactivation and its implications for fatal outcomes.