Cure8 research brief
GI infections—especially CMV—were common in this study and much more frequent in acute severe UC than in remission, suggesting testing for infections can change diagnosis and management during severe flares.
Clinicians treating acute severe UC, gastroenterologists, hospitalized UC patients, and patients with frequent steroid exposure.
This study compared gastrointestinal infections in 108 patients with acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) and 50 patients in remission using stool testing and rectal biopsy for CMV. Overall, GI infections were common (≈58%), with CMV the most frequently detected pathogen and significantly more prevalent in ASUC than remission.
CMV detection methods included RT‑PCR, histology, and serology; C. difficile and parasitic infections were less common but present. Patients with CMV were more likely to have had multiple prior courses of systemic corticosteroids, extensive colitis, severe endoscopic inflammation, and deep ulcerations.
Prior azathioprine exposure was associated with parasitic coinfections. The authors conclude that routine screening for GI pathogens—particularly CMV—should be considered in the diagnostic workup of ASUC, while also testing for C. difficile and parasites when clinically indicated.
Cross‑sectional study using stool tests and rectal biopsy (RT‑PCR/histology) reported in the article abstract; associations do not prove causality and local pathogen prevalence varies.
Review the original publication for the complete reporting, methods, and context.
This Cure8 brief is based on source text from the linked article. Cure8 is informational only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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