Cytomegalovirus retinitis is most likely to occur in which patient population?

• A. Immunocompetent individuals
• B. Healthy young adults
• C. Children with asthma
• D. Immunocompromised patients, especially those with AIDS

Answer: (D)

Cytomegalovirus retinitis occurs when CMV reactivates in someone with a weakened immune system, most classically in advanced HIV/AIDS. In people with normal immunity, CMV retinitis is extremely uncommon, so immunocompetent individuals, healthy young adults, or children with asthma are not at high risk. The retina in AIDS patients develops necrotizing, hemorrhagic retinitis as the virus damages retinal tissue along the vessels, producing vision loss if not treated. Effective management combines antiviral therapy with strategies to restore immune control, such as antiretroviral therapy in HIV. This explains why the at-risk population is immunocompromised patients, especially those with AIDS.