Academy of Medical Sciences of I.R. Iran Archives of Iranian Medicine 1029-2977 27 5 2024 05 01 Cytomegalovirus Infection in Adult Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Literature Review 277 286 10.34172/aim.2024.40 EN Zahra Momayaz Sanat https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6143-4350 Zeinab Siami Sudabeh Alatab https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7592-4599 Homayoon Vahedi Zeinab Fanni REVIEW 10.34172/aim.2024.40 2023 09 25 2024 03 13 Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is classified within the Herpesvirales order and is prevalent in 50%‒80% of the general population. Most carriers experience this infection without noticeable clinical symptoms. HCMV causes a lifelong latent infection that can be reactivated due to immune disorders and inflammation. The reactivation of HCMV becomes particularly significant when it coincides with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). While cytomegalovirus (CMV) colitis in IBD patients was identified years ago, the role of CMV in triggering flare-ups, acute severe colitis, treatment resistance, and other outcomes in IBD patients experiencing CMV reactivation remains a subject of ongoing debate. In this review, we aim to address an updated insight into aspects related to the CMV colitis in IBD patients including epidemiology, risk factors, clinical features, diagnostic tests, histology, place of immunosuppressants and indications for antiviral treatment. We suggest for personalized and thorough assessment based on the disease phase and colitis severity when prescribing drugs to these patients. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of regular patient follow-up to monitor drug side effects, ensuring treatment success, and minimizing the risk of colectomy.