CMV Infection(Cytomegalovirus)Pronunciation: sigh-toe-meg-a-lo-virus
by
Vonne Sieve, MA DefinitionCMV is a type of herpes virus. It can cause serious illness in those with weak immune systems. Healthy people may not become ill but they can pass CMV to others. CMV can cause:
CausesCMV passes from person to person through bodily fluids. Examples include:
Risk FactorsCMV is very common in the US. Everyone has a risk of getting it. Your risk is higher if:
SymptomsInfection with CMV may cause no symptoms. This is more likely in people with a normal immune system. When symptoms are present they may include:
People with weaker immune systems may have more severe symptoms such as:
DiagnosisYour doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. Your doctor may suspect CMV based on your symptoms. Blood tests can confirm CMV. Saliva test will be needed for infants. TreatmentCMV will often go away on its own if you have a normal immune system. Antiviral medicine are used to treat severe infections. The exact type of treatment will depend on how severe the infection. The involved organs will also pay a role. The medicine may be given by pill, or passed into your blood through IV. The length of treatment can also vary. PreventionTo help lower your chances of CMV infection:
RESOURCES:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov IDSA—Infectious Diseases Society of America http://www.idsociety.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Herpes Guide http://www.herpesguide.ca Public Health Agency of Canada https://www.canada.ca References:Cytomegalovirus. Family Doctor—American Association of Family Physicians website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated July 2013. Accessed May 14, 2018. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and congenital
CMV infection. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
https://www.cdc.gov/cmv/index.html. Updated June 5, 2017. Accessed May 14, 2018.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in immunocompetent patients. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed...
. Updated May 10, 2018. Accessed May 14, 2018.
Last reviewed May 2018 by David L. Horn, MD, FACP Last Updated: 8/23/2018 |
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