Cytomegalovirus reactivation in critically-ill Coronavirus Disease 2019 patients: A case series of 11 patients

Abstract

The mortality associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 is greatly influenced by known risk factors such as elderly age, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, and immunosuppression. As cytomegalovirus reactivation in critically ill patients has been linked with higher morbidity and mortality in intensive care settings, it has been suggested that cytomegalovirus reactivation might lead to worse clinical outcomes of patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019. Here we describe the clinical course of 11 patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 and concomitant cytomegalovirus viremia. We conclude that further research is necessary to formulate guidelines on diagnosis and treatment of cytomegalovirus reactivation in Coronavirus Disease 2019 patients.

Keywords

• Coronavirus Disease-2019
• COVID-19
• SARS-CoV-2
• Cytomegalovirus
• Cytomegalovirus reactivation
• Critical care