Management of cytomegalovirus infection in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

The clinical manifestations of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in persons with AIDS are described, and recent advances in the management of these syndromes with antiviral agents are reviewed. CMV infection is the most common serious opportunistic viral infection in AIDS patients. Clinical manifestations include chorioretinitis, gastroenteritis, hepatitis, pneumonia, CNS infection, adrenalitis, and a wasting syndrome. The diagnosis of CMV infection requires laboratory demonstration of a serologic response to the virus, detection of viral components or products, or isolation of the virus. Ganciclovir is an acyclic nucleoside analogue marketed for the treatment of CMV-related retinitis in immunocompromised hosts. After i.v. ganciclovir induction therapy, more than 80% of patients show improvement or stabilization of retinitis. Relapse is common in AIDS patients, however, and low-dose i.v. maintenance therapy is recommended. The most serious dose-limiting effect is neutropenia. Intravitreal injection of ganciclovir has been well tolerated and efficacious. Ganciclovir has shown some efficacy in the treatment of other life-threatening CMV infections, especially gastroenteritis, but data are limited. Ganciclovir-resistant strains have been reported. Foscarnet, a pyrophosphate analogue with activity against both human CMV and human immunodeficiency virus, is undergoing clinical trials. Foscarnet has shown promise in the therapy of CMV-related retinitis, but results for other CMV infections are disappointing. Nephrotoxicity is the major dose-limiting effect. AIDS patients with sight-threatening and rapidly progressive CMV-related retinitis should be treated with ganciclovir. Foscarnet may offer an alternative when it becomes available. More must be learned about the efficacy of these drugs in the treatment of CMV infection in patients with AIDS.