Cytomegalovirus reactivation after low-dose steroid treatment for hemolytic anemia in a patient with primary Epstein-Barr virus infection

Wien Klin Wochenschr. 2007;119(13-14):435-7. doi: 10.1007/s00508-007-0821-4.

Abstract

Cytomegalovirus reactivation is a well described event occurring after intensive therapeutic suppression of the immune function in patients with latent infection. Treatment protocols for suppression of the immune response often include high-dose steroids. However, it is not known whether even a low-dose steroid treatment can reactivate latent cytomegalovirus in otherwise healthy persons. We documented cytomegalovirus reactivation after low-dose steroid treatment for autoimmune hemolytic anemia as a complication of Epstein-Barr virus mononucleosis in an immunocompetent 21-year-old man.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune / drug therapy*
  • Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune / immunology
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / adverse effects*
  • Cytomegalovirus / drug effects*
  • Cytomegalovirus / genetics
  • Cytomegalovirus / immunology
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / chemically induced*
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / immunology
  • DNA, Viral / blood
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / genetics
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / immunology
  • Humans
  • Infectious Mononucleosis / complications
  • Infectious Mononucleosis / immunology
  • Long-Term Care
  • Male
  • Methylprednisolone / administration & dosage
  • Methylprednisolone / adverse effects*
  • Opportunistic Infections / chemically induced*
  • Opportunistic Infections / immunology
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Virus Activation / drug effects*
  • Virus Activation / immunology

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • DNA, Viral
  • Methylprednisolone