Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infection: Causes & Symptoms

Overview

What is cytomegalovirus?

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that belongs to the herpesvirus family. It can infect people of all ages but often presents minimal to no symptoms in healthy individuals. However, it can pose serious health risks to certain groups, including newborns and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Who does cytomegalovirus affect?

CMV can affect anyone but poses the greatest risk to unborn babies (when the infection is transmitted from mother to fetus) and people with compromised immune systems, such as organ transplant recipients or those living with HIV/AIDS.

CMV in pregnancy

When CMV infects a pregnant woman, it can cross the placenta and infect the fetus, leading to congenital CMV. This condition can cause various health issues and developmental disabilities in newborns.

CMV when you have a compromised immune system

Individuals with weakened immune systems may experience more severe complications from CMV infection, including damage to the eyes, lungs, liver, esophagus, stomach, and intestines.

Who is at higher risk for CMV?

Those at higher risk include newborns whose mothers were infected during pregnancy, organ transplant recipients, and people with weakened immune systems.

How common is CMV?

CMV is very common worldwide, with nearly one-third of children under the age of five and over half of adults by the age of 40 having been infected at some point.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of cytomegalovirus in humans?

Symptoms of CMV can vary significantly depending on an individual’s immune system status. While many with healthy immune systems may exhibit no noticeable symptoms, those with weakened immune functions can experience severe symptoms affecting various organs.

CMV symptoms with a healthy immune system

• Mild illness resembling mononucleosis
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Swollen glands

CMV symptoms with a compromised immune system

• Severe pneumonia
• Gastrointestinal ulcers
• Retinitis leading to vision loss
• Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
• Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver)

Congenital CMV symptoms

• Low birth weight
• Jaundice
• Purple skin splotches or rash
• Enlarged spleen
• Microcephaly (small head)
• Seizures

What causes cytomegalovirus?

CMV is caused by the cytomegalovirus, which is transmitted from person to person through bodily fluids such as urine, saliva, blood, tears, semen, and breast milk.

How do you get CMV?

CMV can be contracted through close contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids, whether it’s through caregiving, sexual contact, breastfeeding, or receiving transplanted organs and blood transfusions.

Is cytomegalovirus an STI?

While CMV can be sexually transmitted, it’s not strictly classified as a sexually transmitted infection (STI) because it can be spread through various non-sexual means as well.

Diagnosis and Tests

How is cytomegalovirus diagnosed?

Due to the diverse range of CMV symptoms, diagnosis often involves a thorough medical history and physical examination, followed by specific tests to detect the virus.

What tests will be done to diagnose CMV?

Tests to diagnose CMV may include blood tests, urine tests, and tests on body tissues or fluids to detect the virus or antibodies against it.

Prevention and Treatment Options

How can cytomegalovirus be prevented?

CMV prevention strategies may include practicing good hygiene, such as regular handwashing, especially after changing diapers, sneezing, or coughing, and avoiding sharing food and drinks with others. Pregnant women are advised to be particularly cautious to reduce the risk of congenital CMV.

CMV treatment options

While there is no cure for CMV, treatments are available to manage symptoms, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems or in newborns with congenital CMV. Treatment may include antiviral medications to reduce the severity and duration of the infection. Immune globulin therapy may also be used in severe cases or during pregnancy to minimize the risk to the unborn baby.

Importance of Early Detection

Early detection of CMV can greatly improve the management and outcome of the infection, especially in high-risk groups. Pregnant women and individuals with weakened immune systems are encouraged to undergo regular screenings for CMV to ensure timely treatment and to prevent severe complications.