CMV Infection in the Gastrointestinal Tract of an Immunocompromised Patient with HIV: A Case Report

Infección por CMV en tracto gastrointestinal en paciente inmunocomprometido con VIH: Reporte de Caso

Abstract

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a herpesvirus that causes opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients, especially people with HIV/AIDS. Gastrointestinal involvement is a significant clinical manifestation that can compromise the gastrointestinal tract, causing severe and potentially life-threatening symptoms We present the case of a 49-year-old male patient diagnosed with HIV, with a CD4 count of 575 cells/mm³, who presented with persistent diarrhea, negative microbiological studies for coccidiosis and other pathogens, weight loss, fever, and abdominal pain. Endoscopic studies with biopsy and immunohistochemical studies confirmed CMV infection in the duodenum, colon, and anus. Treatment with valganciclovir was initiated with a good clinical response. The clinical and histopathological characteristics are discussed, as well as an updated review of the literature relevant to this pathology, showing that clinical suspicion, correct diagnosis and early treatment of CMV gastrointestinal infection significantly improve the prognosis.