Human cytomegalovirus infection: A considerable issue following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Review)

Abstract

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is an opportunistic virus, whereby recipients are most susceptible following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). With the development of novel immunosuppressive agents and antiviral drugs, accompanied with the widespread applica- tion of prophylaxis and preemptive treatment, significant developments have been made in transplant recipients with human (H)CMV infection. However, HCMV remains an importantcauseofshort-andlong-termmorbidityandmortality in transplant recipients. The present review summarizes the molecular mechanism and risk factors of HCMV reactiva- tion following allo-HSCT, the diagnosis of CMV infection following allo-HSCT, prophylaxis and treatment of HCMV infection, and future perspectives. All relevant literature were retrieved from PubMed and have been reviewed.