Cytomegalovirus and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Co-infection in Renal Transplants: A Retrospective Study from a Single Center

Abstract

There is a scarcity of data regarding the impact of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection complicating the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) course. The objective of the study was to explore the clinical profile and outcome of CMV co-infection with COVID-19. This is a single-center retrospective study of COVID-19 cases with concomitant CMV infection. A total of 18 cases were diagnosed with CMV infection during the study period May 2020 to December 2020. The median age (Interquartile range) of the study was 45 (53-38) years with predominant male sex (n = 14, 77%). The baseline donor-recipient status for CMV included D+/R+ (10, 55%), D-/R+(6, 33%), and D+/R- (2, 12%). COVID-19 severity in the study included mild (1, 7%), moderate (5, 28%), severe (8, 44%), and critical (4, 22%) cases. Criteria for hyperinflammatory state was met by 77% (n = 14) of cases. The most common therapeutic modality for COVID-19 given was remdesivir (n = 13), tocilizumab (n = 4), and convalescent plasma (n = 4). The median CMV titer at diagnosis was 1200 (1800-1000) copies/mL. The median duration of hospital stay was 12.5 (14-11). Mortality observed in the study was four (22%). The management of CMV co-infection with COVID-19 is associated with high morbidity and mortality, and we suggest screening for CMV infection in all posttransplant COVID-19 cases.