To investigate the role of CMV gB genotypes, we examined the relation between gB genotypes and clinical features in 17 infants with CMV associated with liver dysfunction.  Group 1 consisted of 13 immunocompetent infants and group 2 consisted of 4 infants with unknown immunological status (except one case).  Liver biopsy was conducted in 5 cases.  Ganciclovir (GCV) was used in 3 cases with prolonged liver dysfunction.

CMV PCR (gB region) in several clinical specimens of all infants was positive.  In immunocompetent infants (13 infants), 11 infants (84.6%) revealed genotype 1 and only 2 infants (15.4%) revealed genotype 3.  In infants of group 2, all infants revealed genotype 1.  A significant difference between CMV genotype, clinical course and ALT level was not found (p<0.5).  In 3 cases which were used GCV, liver dysfunction improved in 2 cases after GCV treatment.  No mutations in UL 97 were found in 3 cases.

We suspected that CMV genotype in immunocompetent children with CMV associated liver dysfunction is not so significant.  It is said that prolonged of CMV associated with liver dysfunction is rare in normal hosts and GCV treatment is not usual.  However, we suspected that GCV was effective for treatment of CMV associated with liver dysfunction.  From now on, it is important to investigate the recommendation for GCV treatment in immunocompetent children.