Hepatic CMV-IE expression and distribution further defines the aetiological and prognostic subtypes of biliary atresia

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is involved in the pathogenesis and progression of biliary atresia (BA). The immediate-early (IE) protein, the earliest and abundantly expressed viral protein following CMV infection, serves as an indicator of active viral replication when upregulated. This study aimed to investigate the expression and distribution of CMV-IE in liver tissues of BA and to evaluate their impact on postoperative prognosis following Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE).