Multiple organ involvement during experimental cytomegalovirus infection is associated with disseminated vascular pathology

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Abstract
Since much of the pathogenesis of cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is still unknown and vascular involvement may be of importance, a rat model was used to study the nature and course of CMV‐induced vascular pathology. In this model, local CMV infection was established by subcutaneous inoculation of rat‐specific CMV (RCMV) in the sole of the foot. Signs of endothelial activation, including leucocyte adhesion, preceded detectable RCMV infection of these cells. Ultimately, vasculitis and thrombotic occlusion were accompanied by diffuse tissue inflammation and necrosis. Generalized RCMV infection was induced in rats by intraperitoneal administration of the virus, which resulted in multiple organ pathology, including haemorrhages, inflammation, and gastrointestinal ulceration. RCMV‐encoded antigens were found especially in mononuclear inflammatory cells in the organs and peripheral blood. In addition, multiple haemorrhages and disturbed haematological parameters indicated diffuse intravascular coagulopathy. In conclusion, this study provides evidence for extensive vascular involvement and haematological consequences during disseminated CMV infection. The nature and chronology of RCMV‐induced pathological vascular events were demonstrated, indicating the importance of endothelial damage. These data and further study may lead to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of CMV multiple‐organ disease. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.