Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a type of herpes virus that commonly infects humans. Like other herpes viruses, CMV stays in the body for life in a dormant state after the initial infection. CMV is very common - over half of all adults in the United States have been infected by age 40. However, CMV infection usually causes no symptoms or only mild illness in healthy people.
How does CMV spread?
CMV is spread through close personal contact with infected body fluids. The main ways it can spread are:
- Through sexual contact - Cytomegalovirus Infection Treatment And Diagnosis can spread through sexual activity involving oral, anal, or vaginal sex.
- From mother to fetus - A pregnant woman can pass CMV to her fetus if she becomes infected for the first time during pregnancy.
- Through saliva - Young children in particular can pass CMV through contact with saliva, such as sharing utensils or using the same drinking glasses.
- Organ transplantation - CMV infection can occur in individuals who receive organs or tissues from donors who are actively shedding CMV virus.
- Blood transfusion - However, the risk of acquiring CMV through blood transfusion is very low due to screening of blood donors.
Symptoms of Active CMV Infection
Most people who are infected with CMV experience either no symptoms or symptoms so mild they are mistaken for another common viral infection. When symptoms do occur as a result of active infection, they may include:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Swollen glands
- Muscle aches
- Rash
Some people may experience headaches, joint pain, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, or cough. In individuals with weakened immune systems, CMV infection can be severe or even life-threatening.
CMV Infection in Newborns
When a woman contracts CMV for the first time during pregnancy, there is a 30% chance she will pass the virus to the fetus. CMV contracted prenatally can cause disability or hearing loss in newborns. The risk of having a baby with birth defects from CMV infection is highest when:
- Primary CMV infection occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy.
- The mother's infection is severe and symptoms are noticeable.
- The viral load is higher in the mother's blood and other body fluids.
Infected newborns may experience jaundice, seizures, hearing loss, vision problems, or developmental delays that become apparent as the child grows older. About 10-15% of babies infected with CMV in the womb will be born with symptoms present at birth.
CMV Infection and HIV/AIDS
Individuals infected with HIV are far more likely than the general public to experience serious and symptomatic CMV infection. This is due to the weakened immune system that occurs in the later stages of HIV infection and AIDS. Active CMV can cause gastroenteritis, pneumonia, retinitis (eye infection), encephalitis, or other disorders in those with advanced HIV disease. CMV retinitis, which can cause blindness if not treated promptly, is a common complication of advanced AIDS.
Diagnosis and Testing
To diagnose CMV infection, doctors may perform the following tests:
- Blood test - An immunoglobulin M (IgM) blood test determines if a person has recently been infected. IgG testing shows past infection.
- Urine test - A urine sample checked for CMV virus identifies recent or active infection.
- Tissue testing - Amniocentesis or biopsy of affected organs like the retina can detect CMV in those sites.
- Viral culture - Isolating CMV from urine, blood, saliva, or other tissues provides confirmation of active infection.
Treatment and Prevention
There is no vaccine for CMV yet. For populations at high risk, prevention focuses on practicing good hygiene and taking precautions such as proper hand washing to avoid exposure to infected fluids:
- Pregnant women should thoroughly wash hands after contact with young children's saliva and urine.
- People receiving transplants or with HIV/AIDS should take precautions like condoms during sexual activity.
- For newborns with symptomatic CMV infection, ganciclovir and valganciclovir are antiviral drugs used as treatment.
while CMV infection is very common, knowledge of CMV and practicing prevention can help avoid serious consequences, especially for those with a weakened immune system. Understanding how CMV spreads and gets tested helps control this herpes virus.
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About Author:
Alice Mutum is a seasoned senior content editor at Coherent Market Insights, leveraging extensive expertise gained from her previous role as a content writer. With seven years in content development, Alice masterfully employs SEO best practices and cutting-edge digital marketing strategies to craft high-ranking, impactful content. As an editor, she meticulously ensures flawless grammar and punctuation, precise data accuracy, and perfect alignment with audience needs in every research report. Alice's dedication to excellence and her strategic approach to content make her an invaluable asset in the world of market insights.
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