Cytomegalovirus infection among Patients with Naive versus Refractory Thrombocytopenia

Background: Refractory Immune thrombocytopenic purpura is uncommon immunological disorders that is linked to various chronic medical conditions and various viral infections as HCV, HIV and Cytomegalovirus (CMV). Objective: This investigation aimed to evaluate the occurrence of CMV infection among cases with refractory Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP). Patients and Method: A total of 30 patients with refractory ITP and another group of 31 patients with naïve ITP were evaluated for clinical history, general and regional clinical examination. Patients were evaluated for CBC, serological markers of CMV (IGM and IgG) and bone marrow aspiration cytology. Results: Both groups showed no statistically significant difference regarding age, sex and chronic medical disorders. None of the studied patients were positive for serological markers of HCV, HBV nor HIV. All of the studied patients with refractory or naïve ITP were found to have positive CMV IgG. Conclusion: CMV infection is highly prevalent among patients with ITP with difference between refractory and naïve ITP. No link could be established between CMV infection and refractory ITP.