Although cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is a severe complication among immunocompromised patients, its cutaneous features have not been reported frequently. CMV belongs to the Herpesviridae family sharing with the other members the ability to remain latent in their natural hosts after an initial infection and to produce overt disease in several settings. The natural history of human CMV infection is characterized by primary infection, latent infection and reinfection. This article reviews the extremely variable aspects of the clinical presentation of CMV infection in normal and immunocompromised humans, focusing on the dermatological manifestations, and indicates the laboratory tests for detecting CMV responsibility in skin disorders.
Copyright 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel