A 32-year-old man with a history of HIV infection presents to the clinic complaining of fecal urgency and bloody diarrhea. The patient was diagnosed with pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia 6 months ago.
Which of these organisms is the most likely involved in this condition?
A-Clostridium difficile
B-cytomegalovirus
C-Entamoeba histolytica
D-Giardia lamblia
Answer
Fecal urgency and bloody diarrhea suggests cytomegalovirus colitis which is common in patients with AIDS. This infection results in deep ulcers and bleeding. It also causes retinitis, gastritis, pneumonia, hepatitis and encephalitis. Treatment is ganciclovir in addition to antiretroviral therapy.
The correct answer is B