Clinical Impact of Cytomegalovirus Infection in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract

Background/Aims: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at increased risk of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, likely due to malnutrition and immunosuppressive therapies. Cytomegalovirus infection may contribute to worse disease outcomes, including higher colectomy rates. However, the prognostic value of serum cytomegalovirus deoxyribonucleic acid (CMV-DNA) levels and the clini cal significance of CMV colitis remain unclear. This study aimed to assess the impact of CMV infection on the clinical course of IBD.

Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed on 141 hospitalized IBD patients with detectable serum CMV-DNA (>42 copies/mL). Cytomegalovirus colitis was diagnosed by histopathology or immunohistochemistry. Clinical features were compared between CMV colitis and non-colitis groups. Receiver operating characteristic analysis assessed the optimal CMV-DNA cut-off, and logistic regression identified predictors of adverse outcomes (mortality or colectomy).

Results: Cytomegalovirus colitis was identified in 18.4% of patients. While there were no significant differences in age, treatment his tory, or colectomy rates between groups, patients with CMV colitis had significantly higher serum CMV-DNA levels (median: 837 vs. 267 copies/mL; P = .019), longer hospitalization durations (P = .001), and more frequent comorbidities (P = .019). The optimal CMV-DNA cut off was 468.5 copies/mL (area under the curve (AUC) 0.64; sensitivity 61.5%, specificity 61.7%). Adverse outcomes occurred in 24% of cases. Extensive colitis (odds ratio 2.92; P = .034) independently predicted poor outcomes; CMV-DNA levels did not.

Conclusion: Cytomegalovirus colitis is an uncommon but clinically significant complication in IBD flares. Although high serum CMV DNA levels were associated with CMV colitis, their diagnostic value was limited. Extensive colitis is an independent predictor of poor outcomes.

Cite this article as: Dursun B, Gumussoy M, Törüner M. Clinical impact of cytomegalovirus infection in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Turk J Gastroenterol. Published online January 8, 2026. doi:10.5152/tjg.2026.25407.