Cytomegalovirus reactivation after low-dose steroid treatment for hemolytic anemia in a patient with primary Epstein-Barr virus infection.

Cytomegalovirus reactivation is a well described event occurring after intensive therapeutic suppression of the immune function in patients with latent infection. Treatment protocols for suppression of the immune response often include high-dose steroids. However, it is not known whether even a low-dose steroid treatment can reactivate latent cytomegalovirus in otherwise healthy persons. We documented cytomegalovirus reactivation after low-dose steroid treatment for autoimmune hemolytic anemia as a complication of Epstein-Barr virus mononucleosis in an immunocompetent 21-year-old man.