ABSTRACT
Cytomegalovirus infection is common throughout the world; 40%-100% of adults in different populations are infected by the fourth decade. Early studies suggested that CMV infection initiates some cases of ulcerative colitis [UC], plays a role in UC exacerbation, causes self-limited colitis, and increases the incidence of complications, emergency surgery or death in patients with UC. Thirty-seven patients with first-time diagnosed ulcerative colitis were selected retrospectively and included in this study from attendance Tanta University Hospitals. Patients were classified into two groups, group I ulcerative colitis patients infected with CMV; group II ulcerative colitis patients not infected with CMV Severity of UC was assessed clinically using Montreal classification of severity of ulcerative colitis, colonoscopicaly using Montreal classification of extent of ulcerative colitis. Histologically diagnosis and severity was graded using microscopic scores for the assessment of disease activity in UC. Patients were comparable with controls according to age and sex. Clinical and laboratory parameters showed no statistically significant differences except for reduced serum albumin and hemoglobin in group I [p <0.05]. The highest sensitivity was achieved in immunohistochemistry, while the lowest one was achieved in detection of inclusion bodies in H and E-stained biopsy for detection of infection with CMV in patients with UC As regards assessment of severity in patients with UC with or without CMV infection, no significant differences between both groups were detected. CMV infection in patients with UC may be common and is often underestimated. This has definite clinical significance and therefore should not be ignored