Current practices in the diagnosis and management of HSV and CMV reactivation in German ICUs: an exploratory web-based survey - Report - MDSpire

Current practices in the diagnosis and management of HSV and CMV reactivation in German ICUs: an exploratory web-based survey

  • By

  • Stefanie Michel

  • Ivana Radisic

  • Stefan Hagel

  • Nina Pirschtat

  • Thorsten Brenner

  • Simon Dubler

  • June 24, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Assessment of Diagnostic and Treatment Approaches for HSV and CMV

Background

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation are increasingly recognized in critically ill patients, impacting clinical outcomes. Understanding current diagnostic and therapeutic practices is crucial for improving patient care in intensive care settings.

Data Highlights

Survey MetricPercentage
Institutions with standard operating procedures for transplant recipients33%
Institutions with standard operating procedures for non-immunocompromised patients24%
Completion rate of the survey7.5%
Median ICU bed capacity14 beds

Key Findings

  • 33% of institutions reported standard operating procedures for HSV and CMV diagnostics in transplant recipients.
  • 24% of institutions had procedures for non-immunocompromised ICU patients.
  • Virological testing was available several times per week with a median turnaround time of 2 days.
  • Routine testing for HSV and CMV was more common in immunosuppressed patients.
  • Antiviral therapy in immunocompetent patients was typically initiated only upon clinical suspicion.

Clinical Implications

The variability in diagnostic and treatment approaches for HSV and CMV reactivation highlights differences in practices.

Conclusion

The survey indicates substantial heterogeneity in the management of HSV and CMV reactivation in German ICUs.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Intensive Care Medicine, 2024 -- Herpes Simplex Virus and Cytomegalovirus in the Lungs of COVID-19 Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
  2. Infection, 2024 -- Prevalence and Clinical Implications of Herpes Simplex Virus Types 1 and 2 Reactivation in Adults with Mild to Moderate Community-Acquired Pneumonia
  3. Intensive Care Medicine, 2015 -- The Impact of Cytomegalovirus Reactivation on Mortality in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Patients
  4. Infection, 2025 -- The negative effects of cytomegalovirus reactivation on outcomes in critically ill COVID-19 patients
  5. Cytomegalovirus infection in non-immunocompromised critically ill patients: A management perspective - PMC
  6. Acyclovir for Mechanically Ventilated Patients With Herpes Simplex Virus Oropharyngeal Reactivation
  7. Cytomegalovirus reactivation among immunocompetent patients hospitalized in medical intensive care
  8. Cytomegalovirus infection in non-immunocompromised critically ill patients: A management perspective - PMC
  9. Acyclovir for Mechanically Ventilated Patients With Herpes Simplex Virus Oropharyngeal Reactivation
  10. Cytomegalovirus reactivation among immunocompetent patients hospitalized in medical intensive care: Associated factors and consequences - ScienceDirect

Original Source(s)

Current practices in the diagnosis and management of HSV and CMV reactivation in German ICUs: an exploratory web-based survey

  • by Stefanie Michel, Ivana Radisic, Stefan Hagel, Nina Pirschtat, Thorsten Brenner, Simon Dubler

  • June 24, 2026

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