Cytomegalovirus infection of gastrointestinal tract

Gastrointestinal tract infection with CMV can occur from mouth to anal canal. In the immunocompetent subjects, the upper GI tract is most commonly involved while immunocompromised individuals have colon as the most common site of involvement. In a study of CMV infection among AIDS patients, the most common site of CMV infection in the GI tract was the colon (55%), while gastric involvement was reported in 40% of cases. CMV mononucleosis, hepatitis and pneumonitis are among the most common manifestations.' GI tract involvement is common and it is easy to access for taking the diagnostic biopsies. Severity and extent of involvement within the GI tract is variable.