Transfusion-associated cytomegalovirus infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome in an infant

An infant who received mulytiple blood transfusions in the neonatal intensive care unit developed a transfusion-associated CMV infection at age 11 weeks and thereafter was noted to have hepatosplenomegaly, mitogen hyporesponsiveness, persistent viruria, an abnormal distribution of T-lymphocyte subpopulations, and poor growth. He has had recurrent opportunistic infections. including Pneumocystic carinii pneumonia. Six donors of blood products received by this infant were investigated; one was found to have chronic lymphadenopathy, weight loss, intermittent diarrhea, lymphopenia, and a profound depression of lymphocytes with a helper/inducer surface phenotype (T4 positive). Family members have an abnormal distribution of T cell subpopulation similar to those reported in asymptomatic homosexuals. The course of disease in our patient suggests that acquired immune deficiency syndrome may be transmitted to young infants via blood products.