CYTOMEGALOVIRUS-INFECTION OF THE CNS IN NON-COMPROMISED PATIENTS

Six non-compromised patients with cytomegalovirus (CMV) associated men ingoencephalitis are described. CMV was isolated from the cerebrospina l fluid (CSF) in 2/4 cases, while the diagnosis was based on an 8-fold rise in CMV-specific serum IgG antibodies and intrathecal antibody pr oduction against CMV in one case. By the polymerase chain reaction (PC R) CMV DNA was detected in the CSF in 5/5 cases and in serum in 3/4 ca ses. In one patient who had an Influenza A infection, both CMV and Eps tein-Barr virus DNA were detected by PCR in the CSF. In 4 patients pos sible triggering events could be identified. Symptoms and signs indica ting a multifocal brain involvement were present in 4 patients. The ou tcome was generally favourable except for sequelae in form of slight d ysphasia in one case.