CYTOMEGALOVIRUS COLITIS IN CHRONIC-RENAL-FAILURE

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is an ubiquitous agent and is recognized as a pa thogen in all age groups. Although symptomatic infection by CMV (CMV d isease) in normal adults is generally mild, the virus is known to prod uce severe symptoms, mostly in immunocompromised patients. In this gro up of patients, the primary involvement of the colon by CMV is reporte d to be rare. However, chronic renal failure patients are prone to CMV infection. Nevertheless, despite the high incidence of infection in t hese patients and the recognition of a defective immune response in so me of them, clinical manifestations are an exception. Two chronic rena l failure patients who developed acute colitis due to CMV infection ar e presented. Of interest are the rarity of the association, the favora ble clinical course and the differential diagnosis with other gastroin testinal disorders which are more common in these patients.