Epstein–Barr Virus and Cytomegalovirus Reactivation in Patients with COVID-19

Background: Since first report of COVID-19 in December 2019, it has spread to a pandemic, making many deaths. Dysfunction of immune function is considered as one of the reasons for high mortality. Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation in severe patients is thought to be related to immune dysfunction but is not yet known in COVID-19. Methods: We conducted EBV and CMV real-time PCR confirmed patients with COVID-19 who were admitted to our hospitals. Results: Of the 61 COVID-19 patients, nine EBV and two CMV viremia were found. The group with EBV viremia had a higher probability of progressing to severe COVID-19 infection than the group without, but it was not statistically significant. One out of two people with CMV viremia died and one survived after Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation use. Conclusions: Our study suggests immune dysfunction in COVID-19, and further research is needed on the role of EBV/CMV in COVID-19.