Common Virus May Cause Anemia in Patients with Kidney Disease
American Society of Nephrology (ASN)• Kidneys from most patients with chronic kidney disease were positive for active cytomegalovirus infection. • Patients with higher levels of anti-cytomegalovirus antibodies in their blood had lower number of red blood cells. • Cytomegalovirus blocks a protein needed to make a hormone that in turn stimulates red blood cell production.