To assess current practices regarding HSV and CMV reactivation in German intensive care units (ICUs).
Approach:
Survey Design: An exploratory web-based survey was conducted among ICU directors in Germany, inviting them to complete a questionnaire with 83 items on the diagnosis and treatment of HSV and CMV reactivation.
Data Collection: The survey was conducted from January 24 to March 5, 2025, with a completion rate of 7.5%, yielding 123 usable questionnaires.
Key Findings:
33% of institutions reported standard operating procedures for HSV and CMV diagnostics in transplant recipients.
24% reported such procedures for non-immunocompromised ICU patients.
Virological testing was available several times per week with a median turnaround time of 2 days.
Substantial heterogeneity in diagnostic and management approaches for HSV and CMV reactivation was observed across ICUs.
Routine testing was more common in immunosuppressed patients, particularly in transplant recipients.
Interpretation:
The findings reveal variability in the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to HSV and CMV reactivation in German ICUs.
Limitations:
The low response rate of 7.5% may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Data were based on self-reported practices, which may not accurately reflect actual clinical practices.
Conclusion:
The survey suggests substantial variability in reported diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to HSV and CMV reactivation in German critical care practice.
