CYTOMEGALOVIRUS RETINITIS IN PATIENTS WITH AIDS - CURRENT STATUS

About 20%-30% of patients with AIDS will develop cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis when they are severely immunodeficient (CD4 cell count belo w 40 cells/mu L). It causes extensive retinal damage with visual defic its, and relapses are frequent. Intravenous ganciclovir and foscarnet are standard therapy but their high toxicity and long term intravenous access mean that advances in treatment, including oral prophylactic a gents, intravitreal injections and surgical implants, may provide a be tter quality of life for patients. Prophylactic ophthalmological scree ning of patients with CD4 cell counts below 100 cells/mu L to detect a symptomatic retinitis is needed.