Cytomegalovirus infection of the gastrointestinal tract in a patient with late onset immunodeficiency syndrome.

An adult with the late onset immunodeficiency syndrome developed intractable diarrhea. Widespread cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection of the gastrointestinal tract was detected antemortem with detailed morphological studies and viral culture. The CMV-type cells were especially numerous in his severely ulcerated colon. Electron microscopy of infected cells in rectal biopsy material revealed the characteristic features of CMV infection. It is likely that the CMV infection contributed to the symptom complex and the mucosal injury. Unusual opportunistic infections as a cause of diarrhea should be considered in patients with late onset immunodefociency, especially if Giardiasis is ruled out.