Cytomegalovirus Hepatitis in Immunocompetent and Immunocompromised Hosts

Abstract

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is common and affects between 40–100% of the worldwide population. However, the majority of cases are asymptomatic and when severe disease occurs, it is usually restricted to immunocompromised patients. Liver involvement by HCMV differs significantly, accordingly to the immune status of the host. In immunocompromised patients, particularly liver transplant patients, it often causes clinically significant hepatitis. On the other hand, in immunocompetent patients, HCMV hepatitis requiring hospitalization is extremely rare. This review aims to appraise studies regarding the pathophysiology of HCMV hepatitis, including mechanisms of latency and reactivation and its contribution to disease development, clinical presentation, diagnostic modalities and treatment, with a focus on comparing different aspects between immunocompromised and immunocompetent hosts.