Clinical characteristics and risk factor analysis of EBV and CMV infection in the patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) are common opportunistic viruses in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Clinical features and risk factors of EBV and CMV infection in IBD patients have been explored.

METHODS

Clinical information of IBD patients was collected. Viral loads were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) toxin genes were detected using GeneXpert. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Both positive groups showed higher ulcerative colitis (UC) to Crohn's disease (CD) ratio and more severe disease activity (P < 0.05). The EBV infection group had higher proportions of males, older patients, severe diarrhea, and C. difficile infection (P < 0.05). Glucocorticoid therapy was associated with increased EBV and CMV prevalence and infliximab (IFX)/lizumab was associated with increased EBV prevalence (P < 0.05). Age > 60 years, UC, severe disease activity and IFX/lizumab use were identified as risk factors for EBV infection. UC was an independent risk factor for CMV infection.

CONCLUSION

UC patients are more susceptible to CMV and EBV infection. Higher-risk patients for EBV infection include those aged >60 years, those with severe disease activity, or those on IFX/lizumab therapy, especially males and those with C. difficile infection.