Recurrent cytomegalovirus colitis with megacolon in an immunocompetent elderly man

Gastrointestinal infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV) is uncommon in immunocompetent hosts. The case of a 70-year-old male with CMV colitis, who has no history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease or immunodeficiency is described. Diagnosis was aided by the identification of inclusion bodies that reacted positively for CMV by immunohistochemical testing in biopsy specimens from the colonic mucosa. His hospital course was characterized by poor improvement of his symptoms after the CMV infection was treated with ganciclovir, and the occurrence of megacolon. A repeat colonoscopy with biopsy revealed a recurrence of the CMV infection. Although CMV colitis is common in immunocompromised patients, we believe this is the first case of CMV colitis with megacolon and recurrent CMV infection in an immunocompetent patient. Colitis caused by CMV colitis should be considered in elderly people with diarrhea. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.