Which population is particularly at risk for CMV infection?

Which population is particularly at risk for CMV infection?

• A. Immunocompromised patients
• B. Healthy adults
• C. Teenagers
• D. Athletes

Answer: (A)

CMV infection and its consequences are most likely to become clinically significant when the immune system is weakened. In healthy individuals, CMV is often acquired but kept in check, typically causing no or only mild symptoms. When immunity is compromised—such as in organ transplant patients on immunosuppressants, people with advanced HIV/AIDS, or those receiving chemotherapy—the virus can reactivate or spread more readily, leading to serious diseases like retinitis, pneumonitis, colitis, esophagitis, hepatitis, or encephalitis. This is why immunocompromised patients are the population particularly at risk for CMV infection and its complications, whereas healthy adults, teenagers, or athletes do not have the same elevated risk for severe CMV disease.

CMV infection and its consequences are most likely to become clinically significant when the immune system is weakened. In healthy individuals, CMV is often acquired but kept in check, typically causing no or only mild symptoms. When immunity is compromised—such as in organ transplant patients on immunosuppressants, people with advanced HIV/AIDS, or those receiving chemotherapy—the virus can reactivate or spread more readily, leading to serious diseases like retinitis, pneumonitis, colitis, esophagitis, hepatitis, or encephalitis. This is why immunocompromised patients are the population particularly at risk for CMV infection and its complications, whereas healthy adults, teenagers, or athletes do not have the same elevated risk for severe CMV disease.