Cytomegalovirus colitis after autologous transplantation for multiple myeloma

Bone marrow or stem cell transplantation is an established therapy for haematological malignancies. We report a cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgG +ve 56-year-old patient who underwent autologous rescue with CD34(+) selected peripheral blood stem cells as part of consolidation therapy for multiple myeloma and subsequently developed CMV colitis. In contrast to infection secondary to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), CMV colitis has not previously been described in this context. We discuss this case and issues arising from it related to the use of CD34+ selected stem cells for transplantation.