Cytomegalovirus Infection and the Gastrointestinal Tract

Abstract

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is common worldwide, but the majority are asymptomatic. However, during initial infection or reactivation, CMV can cause tissue-invasive end-organ damage including in the gastrointestinal tract, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Gastrointestinal CMV disease can present with myriad of symptoms and be highly variable endoscopically. In this article we review the manifestations of CMV infection within the luminal gastrointestinal tract and discuss the options for diagnosis and management.