Genetic proof of herpesviruses CMV, EBV and HHV-6 in intestinal biopsies from patients with inflammatory bowel diseases: prevalence and disease characteristics.

Background: While the clinical relevance of cytomegalovirus (CMV) for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients remains controversial, the role of related Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) is unknown. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the prevalence of CMV, EBV, and HHV-6 DNA in the intestinal mucosa of IBD patients, and to identify potential risk factors and associations with disease characteristics. Methods: Any IBD patient who underwent endoscopy with mucosal biopsy for virologic assessment at Heidelberg University Hospital from December 2018 to September 2020 was eligible. DNA of CMV, EBV, and HHV-6 was determined by polymerase chain reaction. Results: = 0.001). JAK-inhibitor treatment was associated with CMV infection, while HHV-6-positive patients were treated more frequently with azathioprine/6-mercapotopurine or steroids. Conclusions: The study reveals that the prevalence of EBV in the intestinal mucosa is high in patients with IBD and correlates with disease activity and severity, while HHV-6 is associated with specific immunosuppressive therapy.