[Cytomegalovirus infection acquired in The Netherlands and in the tropics; a retrospective study in previously healthy adults].

Clinical and laboratory data of 44, previously healthy patients with cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections were analysed in a retrospective study (1975-1986). Eighteen (41%) were probably infected in the (sub)tropics. 33 (75%) patients showed symptoms and signs of CMV-mononucleosis: fever, malaise, absolute and relative lymphocytosis with atypical lymphocytes and liver function disturbance without jaundice. Enlargement of lymph-nodes was present in only 20% of the patients, distinct from mononucleosis caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. The clinical picture caused by CMV-infection in the tropics was not different from autochthonous CMV-infections.