Cytomegalovirus is predictably present in perineal ulcers from immunosuppressed patients.

We examined five consecutive skin biopsy specimens taken from perineal ulcers on immunosuppressed patients. Examination of hematoxylin-eosin-stained sections in conjunction with immunohistochemistry using monoclonal antibodies to early and late viral antigens resulted in identification of cytomegalovirus in all specimens. Cells containing cytomegalovirus were present in the ulcer base and papillary dermis. Herpes simplex virus was identified in three of five specimens. This series demonstrates that cytomegalovirus is predictably present in perineal ulcers from immunocompromised patients, but does not establish this virus as the cause of the ulcers.