Authors' recommendations: Cytomegalovirus is a common virus and most people become infected in childhood. The virus is spread through bodily fluids, such as saliva or urine, and can easily be spread by close contact with children, such as when changing nappies. Once someone becomes infected, the cytomegalovirus will stay in their body for the rest of their lives without causing problems. Most people do not have symptoms and will not need treatment. However, people with weakened immune systems need to be treated to avoid complications. Letermovir is a new drug that is taken by mouth as a tablet to prevent cytomegalovirus infection. Some studies have suggested that this drug can help prevent infection in people undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation (sometimes called a bone marrow transplant), and if letermovir is licensed for use in the UK, it could be a new treatment option for people undergoing this procedure.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2016

URL for published report: http://www.hsric.nihr.ac.uk/topics/letermovir-for-the-prevention-of-cytomegalovirus-infection-in-sero-positive-patients-undergoing-allogeneic-haematopoietic-stem-cell-transplantation/

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: England, United Kingdom

Organisation Name: NIHR Horizon Scanning Centre

Contact Address: The NIHR Horizon Scanning Centre, Department of Public Health, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics, School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham, 90 Vincent Drive, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2SP. United Kingdom. Tel: +44 121 414 7831, Fax: +44 121 2269

Contact Name: c.packer@bham.ac.uk

Contact Email: c.packer@bham.ac.uk

Copyright: NIHR Horizon Scanning Centre (NIHR HSC)