The direct and indirect consequences of cytomegalovirus infection and potential benefits of vaccination

This article describes the studies that have been conducted to date and emphasises that mortality after stem cell transplant (not attributed to CMV end-organ disease) has recently become the first proven indirect effect of CMV now that letermovir has significantly reduced non-relapse deaths.The implications for CMV vaccines are then discussed. Vaccines are already predicted to be highly cost-effective if they can reduce CMV end-organ disease. Health planners should now consider that cost effectiveness is likely to be enhanced further through reduction of the indirect effects of CMV. A prototype scheme for assessing this possibility is provided in order to stimulate discussion within the field. This article forms part of an online symposium on the prevention and therapy of DNA virus infections, dedicated to the memory of Mark Prichard.
Source: Antiviral Therapy - Category: Virology Source Type: research