Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation, infection and associated organ dysfunction in immunocompetent critically ill patients is getting into the intensivists' focus. Although the causal relationship between CMV reactivation and unfavorable outcomes has not been confirmed yet, observational evidence suggests a strong association with higher mortality, prolonged organ support and length-of-stay in intensive care.
In addition to these relatively direct consequences, affected patients are more susceptible to the development of nosocomial infections, potentially as a result of complex immunomodulation of the host caused by CMV reactivation. Epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestation, treatment and prevention of selected herpesviruses in the immunocompetent patients are summarized in the presented review.