CMV - gastroenteritis/colitis Health Article

Definition

CMV gastroenteritis/colitis is inflammation of the stomach or intestine caused by infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV).

See also:

• CMV esophagitis
• CMV immunocompromised host
• CMV pneumonia
• CMV retinitis
• Congenital CMV

Alternative Names

Colitis - cytomegalovirus; Gastroenteritis - cytomegalovirus; Gastrointestinal CMV disease

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a member of a group of herpes-type viruses. It is related to the virus that causes chickenpox. Infection with CMV is very common.

The infection is spread by saliva, urine, respiratory droplets, sexual contact, and blood transfusions. Most humans are exposed to the virus in their lifetime, but it usually produces no symptoms in healthy people. However, serious CMV infections can occur in people with weakened immune systems. This includes patients receiving chemotherapy for cancer treatment and patients on immune-suppressing medicines following an organ transplant. People with inflammatory bowel disease can develop gastrointestinal CMV infections.

In rare instances, more severe CMV infection involving the GI tract has been reported in people with healthy immune systems. When CMV colitis occurs in patients with normal immune systems, the patients typically have other serious medical conditions such as severe injury, kidney failure, or infection.

The following increase your risk for CMV gastroenteritis/colitis:

• AIDS
• Bone marrow or organ transplant
• Chemotherapy
• Medications that suppress the immune system

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal CMV disease may affect one area or the entire body. Ulcers can occur in the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, or colon. Such ulcers are associated with symptoms such as:

• Abdominal pain
• Difficulty swallowing or pain with swallowing
• Nausea
• Vomiting

When the intestines are involved, the ulcers may cause:

• Abdominal pain
• Bloody stools
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Weight loss

More severe infections can result in gastrointestinal bleeding or a hole through the wall of the infected organ.