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Review
. 2021 Oct 5;13(10):2001.
doi: 10.3390/v13102001.

Cytomegalovirus Infections in Children with Primary and Secondary Immune Deficiencies

Caroline M Bateman  1   2 , Alison Kesson  3   4   5 , Madeleine Powys  1 , Melanie Wong  6 , Emily Blyth  2   7   8
Affiliations
Review

Cytomegalovirus Infections in Children with Primary and Secondary Immune Deficiencies

Caroline M Bateman et al. Viruses. .

Abstract

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a human herpes virus that causes significant morbidity and mortality in immunosuppressed children. CMV primary infection causes a clinically mild disease in healthy children, usually in early childhood; the virus then utilises several mechanisms to establish host latency, which allows for periodic reactivation, particularly when the host is immunocompromised. It is this reactivation that is responsible for the significant morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised children. We review CMV infection in the primary immunodeficient host, including early identification of these infants by newborn screening to allow for CMV infection prevention strategies. Furthermore, clinical CMV is discussed in the context of children treated with secondary immunodeficiency, particularly paediatric cancer patients and children undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). Treatments for CMV are highlighted and include CMV immunotherapy.

Keywords: child; cytomegalovirus; haematopoietic stem cell transplant.

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Conflict of interest statement

E.B. declares advisory roles for Astellas, M.S.D., Abbvie, Novartis, B.M.S., Bastion Education. Research funding from M.S.D. C.M.B. declares advisory roles for Novartis.

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