Clinically occult cytomegalovirus present in skin biopsy specimens in immunosuppressed hosts.

Three patients with acquired immunosuppression in whom skin biopsy specimens were obtained to aid in the diagnosis of varying cutaneous eruptions are described. Amphophilic, granular, intranuclear inclusions within endothelial cells compatible with the presence of cytomegalovirus were found unexpectedly. Clinically, occult cytomegalovirus in the skin may be more common than generally appreciated and may not be the sole cause of the eruption for which biopsy specimens are obtained. Also, the need to remain alert for polymicrobial cutaneous infections in the immunocompromised host is emphasized.