Severe cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection rarely occurs in immunocompetent patients, and the use of specific antiviral therapy in such patients has not been established. Here, we describe an unusual case of severe CMV hepatitis in an apparently immunocompetent pregnant woman treated with parenteral ganciclovir. The drug was well tolerated and progressive, improvement of liver function was observed after antiviral therapy. Aspects related with the use of ganciclovir in the immunocompetent host and in the pregnancy are discussed.