Abstract: Objective To explore the associations between natural killer (NK) cell counts, γ-glutamyl aminotransferase (GGT) levels, and human cytomegalovirus(HCMV) DNA in pediatric patients with active HCMV infection. Methods In this study, 150 pediatric patients with active HCMV infection were examined, who were admitted to our hospital from June 2021 to June 2022. Based on their HCMV DNA levels, these patients were stratified into three groups: a low load group (n=52), a medium load group (n=64), and a high load group (n=34). Additionally, a control group of 50 healthy infants was included. Liver function indices-specifically aspartate aminotransferase(AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bile acids (TBA), GGT——along with NK cell levels were compared across the four groups. The correlation between liver function, NK cell levels, and HCMV DNA load was also analyzed in the study. Results In the study, no significant differences were observed in AST, ALT, ALP, and TBA across the four groups(P>0.05). However, the GGT levels in the control group, low load group, medium load group, and high load group were (10.28±2.69) U/L, (15.64±3.13) U/L, (18.56±3.22) U/L, and (23.77±4.17) U/L, respectively. While the percentages of NK cells were (4.87±1.04) %, (6.14±1.15) %, (13.55±2.33) %, (19.84±3.27) %, respectively. A postive correlation was noted between increasing HCMV DNA load and elevated levels of GGT and NK cells(P<0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that while, AST, ALT, ALP, and TBAdid not show significant correlation with HCMV DNA (P>0.05), NK cells and GGT levels were positively correlated with HCMV DNA levels (P<0.05). Conclusion In pediatric patients with active HCMV infection, the levels of NK cells and GGT demonstrate a correlation with HCMV DNA load, while the detection of HCMV DNA aids in diagnosing active HCMV infection, it is not a reliable indicator for assessing the disease′s severity.

Key words: Cytomegalovirus, Natural killer cells, γ-glutamyl aminotransferase, Human cytomegalovirus nucleic acid