Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is an infection that most often affects immunocompromised individuals with a seroprevalence of more than 80%. CMV co-infection is associated with increased mortality in HIV-infected individuals despite antiretroviral treatment. It has the potential for hematogenous dissemination to all the organs, but only becomes symptomatic when the viral load is high. This is especially possible when the human immune system is well controlled so that the individual infected with CMV generally remains asymptomatic, and possibly for a long period. Once the immune system fails, CMV infection becomes symptomatic. Diagnosis is not easy and is often done postmortem in developing countries with limited technical facilities. We report here two cases diagnosed at the Internal Medicine Service of the CNHU-HKM in Cotonou. The patients were infected with HIV and had a long term fever. The diagnoses were made on the basis of CMV serology. The first diagnosis was post-mortem, and the second patient died 48 hours after the start of the treatment.
Highlights
CMV co-infection is associated with increased mortality in HIV-infected individuals despite antiretroviral treatment. It has the potential for hematogenous dissemination to all the organs, but only becomes symptomatic when the viral load is high
We report here two cases diagnosed at the Internal Medicine Service of the CNHU-HKM in Cotonou
CMV has the potential for hematogenous dissemination to all the organs, but only becomes symptomatic when the viral load is high
Summary
It has been recognized as a pathogen for people admitted to intensive care units, the elderly and the general population. CMV has the potential for hematogenous dissemination to all the organs, but only becomes symptomatic when the viral load is high This is especially possible when the human immune system is well controlled so that the individual infected with CMV generally remains asymptomatic [1], and possibly for a long period. In the face of long-term fever in an HIV immunocompromised setting, CMV infection is not always mentioned as a first-line treatment. In some cases, it can be a source of diagnostic wandering in our context.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
