Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a member of the herpesvirus family, is a widespread pathogen that causes an asymptomatic and latent infection in the majority of individuals. However, HCMV can also be life threatening for patients who are immunocompromised (e.g. patients with HIV, organ transplant recipients, or neonates). HCMV is the most common congenital infection and neonates may develop neurological abnormalities such as hearing or visual loss, and mental retardation. AIDS patients, cancer patients and transplant recipients may suffer various disorders resulting from HCMV infections including pneumonia, hepatitis, retinitis and encephalitis. Moreover, HCMV has also been associated to vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, and recently to certain cancers.

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Head: Alberto Fraile-Ramos