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Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses News

What Is Cytomegalovirus? What Are The Causes Of Cytomegalovirus Infection?

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Main Category: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Also Included In: Immune System / Vaccines;  Pregnancy / Obstetrics;  Pediatrics / Children's Health
Article Date: 11 Dec 2009 - 7:00 PDT

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Cytomegalovirus, also known as HCMV, CMV or Human Herpes virus 5 (HHV-5) is part of the herpes family of viruses. It is a common virus and spreads through bodily fluids, including saliva, blood, breast milk, semen and urine. Cytomegalovirus is human-to-human transmissible through close bodily contact (coughs and sneezes are also possible routes).

As is the case with other viruses in the herpes family, when humans are infected it remains dormant in the body for the rest of their life when it is not active.

Research is currently underway for a potential CMV vaccine. However, there is no current cure for CMV infection. Medications can help newborns and people with weak immune systems.

CMV is widespread and people of either sex, any age group, and those of all ethnic groups may be infected. As CMV infection symptoms are commonly rare, many people do not know they have it. There may be complications if the patient is pregnant (danger to the developing fetus) or has a weakened immune system.

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), USA, between 50% and 80% of all adults in the USA are infected. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about 40% of all adults worldwide are infected, as indicated by the presence of antibodies in the general population.

CMV is the virus most commonly transmitted to a developing fetus.

According to Medilexicon's medical dictionary The word "Cytomegalovirus" comes from the Greek word cyto meaning "cell", and the Greek word megalo meaning "large".

There are three main types of CMV infections: CMV is not a concern for most of the general population. It is only a problem when it affects certain groups of people, including:

What are the signs and symptoms of CMV?

A symptom is something the patient feels and reports, while a sign is something other people, such as the doctor detect. For example, pain may be a symptom while a rash may be a sign.

Signs and symptoms of CMV depend on several factors:

What are the causes of Cytomegalovirus infection?

Diagnosing CMV

Blood test - a blood test can detect antibodies (special proteins in the blood) which are created when the immune system responds to the presence of CMV. Cultures or a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test from blood, body fluids, or a tissue biopsy can detect the presence of the virus.

Diagnosing a baby - a pregnant woman has a very small risk of reactivation infecting her developing baby. People with weakened immune systems - any patient that has a weakened immune system should be tested, even if there is no active CMV infection. Anybody who is immunocompromised should undergo regular monitoring for CMV complications; including vision and hearing problems.

What are the treatment options for CMV?

What are the possible complications of CMV?

Healthy people very rarely become sick from CMV infection. If they do occur, they may include:

Prevention of CMV infection

The following precautions may help lower the risk of contracting CMV; they are especially applicable for pregnant women: Written by Christian Nordqvist
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today





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