Cases of the quarter: Cytomegalovirus colitis: an unusual cause for diarrhoea in the immunocompetent

Cytomegalovirus  (CMV)  colitis  is  rarely  reported  in  the  immuno-competent adult and is often associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly ulcerative colitis (UC). An index of suspicion in the appropriate setting is  vital  to  diagnosing  the  condition.  Undiagnosed  CMV  colitis  has  a  significant morbidity. A review of the natural history and diagnosis of CMV is followed by a discussion  of  the  incidence,  outcome  and  possible  treatment  of  CMV  in  the immunocompetent  patient. The  possible  association  between  CMV  and  IBD  is also  reviewed,  and  the  question  of  whether  this  should  have  any  bearing  on treatment is discussed at some length.