Cytomegalovirus Reactivation During Steroid Therapy for COVID-19

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is treated with steroids, often at immunosuppressive doses and for prolonged periods of time, exposing patients to the risk of developing opportunistic infections. Among these, reactivation of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 has been reported. In this article, we present one case from our own clinical practice and review existing evidence on this topic. The real incidence of CMV reactivation during COVID-19 remains unknown due to the absence of prospective systematic investigations. It may have however a substantial prognostic significance. Therefore, the current recommendation is to maintain a high level of suspicion and search for CMV-deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in the presence of suggestive signs and symptoms. CMV reactivation can be successfully treated with antivirals, as our own clinical experience shows.

Clin Infect Immun. 2021;6(3):86-91
doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/cii142