Cytomegalovirus Pneumonia in a Patient with X-Linked Agammaglobulinemia: A Case Report

Abstract

X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) is a hereditary immune disorder that predisposes patients to frequent and severe bacterial infections caused by encapsulated bacteria (such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Haemophilus influenzae). Otitis media, sinusitis, and pneumonia are common complications of XLA that require prompt diagnosis and treatment. Cytomegaloviruses (CMV) cause widespread and severe infections in immunocompromised individuals, affecting the respiratory tract, and consequently, leading to pneumonia, which is associated with a high mortality rate. However, CMV-induced pneumonia is rarely reported in patients with XLA. This case study details a 37-year-old male patient with XLA presenting with fever, productive cough, and dyspnea. The patient was diagnosed with CMV pneumonia and recovered after treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of CMV pneumonia in a patient with XLA in Taiwan. This case study emphasizes that CMV pneumonia in patients with XLA is a treatable condition if diagnosed promptly, and that a shorter duration of treatment with the antiviral agent, in combination with immunoglobulin replacement therapy, can resolve symptoms.