Prediction of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Reactivation in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) by Immunological Study

Immunosuppression statuses causing both CMV active infection or disease are mainly consecutive to HIV infection, bone marrow or solid organ transplantation. However, in severely ill patients, as in septic shock, it has been proved that after a hyper-inflammatory phase occurred a negative control of the immunity, resulting in a paralysed or impaired immune system. The length and extent of this immunodeficiency is correlated with the duration of ICU stay, the occurrence of nosocomial infection and mortality. A better understanding of CMV's natural history reactivation in the critically ill patient would better define the benefits from a specific therapy.