Ganciclovir treatment of systemic cytomegalovirus in an immunocompetent host
Leman, J.S.; Toalson, T.W.; Wlodaver, C.G.
Journal of the Oklahoma State Medical Association 90(7): 367-369
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0030-1876 PMID: 9379249 Document Number: 476889
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infects a significant number of otherwise healthy individuals. Although most cases are subclinical and therefore not diagnosed, some patients present with a mononucleosis-type illness. Ganciclovir, an agent effective against CMV, has primarily been studied for use in immunocompromised patients. No formal studies have been done in immunocompetent individuals. We report a case of an otherwise healthy adult female with severe heterophile negative infectious mononucleosis. Her symptoms included high fever, malaise, myalgias, cough, and abdominal pain. Work-up revealed an acute CMV infection. Intravenous ganciclovir was given with dramatic clinical and laboratory improvement.