Viral infections in the intensive care unit.

Serious viral infections requiring intensive care generally occur in immunocompromised patients and in those patients with underlying cardiopulmonary disease. However, occasional cases may occur in normal hosts. This article reviews the serious viral diseases that are commonly encountered in the adult ICU, including viral pneumonia, encephalitis, and hepatitis, and focuses on diagnostic techniques and management principles. A separate section is devoted to cytomegalovirus infection, given the prominent role that this virus plays in the immunocompromised host receiving intensive care.