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RESEARCH ARTICLE

Cytomegalovirus and ageing of the immune system: a controversial cause of ageing

Wendy van Zuijlen
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

Virology Division
SEALS Microbiology
Prince of Wales Hospital
Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia

School of Medical Sciences
The University of New South Wales
Kensington, NSW 2033, Australia
Tel: +61 2 9382 9096
Fax: +61 2 9382 8533
Email: wendy.vanzuijlen@sesiahs.health.nsw.gov.au

Microbiology Australia 34(3) 157-159 https://doi.org/10.1071/MA13052
Published: 4 September 2013

Abstract

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family that infects 30–90% of the population in developed countries and persists throughout life in a latent form. Reactivation of latent HCMV infection is a significant health issue during pregnancy and in immunocompromised and immunosuppressed individuals. Recent studies suggest that HCMV infection may also have clinical importance in healthy individuals by affecting ageing of the immune system. These recent findings and the current controversy are discussed here.


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