Late-onset cytomegalovirus infection complicated by Guillain-Barre syndrome in a kidney transplant recipient: case report and review of the literature

Infection. 2016 Apr;44(2):255-8. doi: 10.1007/s15010-015-0819-1. Epub 2015 Jul 4.

Abstract

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection remains a common infection after solid-organ transplantation. In the general population CMV disease is associated with Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), an autoimmune disease leading to an acute peripheral neuropathy, in 1 of 1000 cases. Interestingly, GBS is a rarely observed complication in solid-organ transplant recipients, possibly related to maintenance immunosuppression. We describe a case of CMV infection complicated by GBS in a kidney transplant recipient and review the literature.

Keywords: Cytomegalovirus; Guillain–Barre syndrome; Kidney transplant.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / complications*
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / diagnosis*
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / pathology
  • Female
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome / complications*
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome / pathology
  • Humans
  • Kidney Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Middle Aged
  • Transplant Recipients*