Cytomegalovirus (CMV): Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

What are the symptoms of cytomegalovirus infection?

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection can cause a wide range of symptoms, and in healthy individuals, it often causes no symptoms or mild symptoms that may be mistaken for the flu or other viral infections. However, in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or organ transplant recipients, CMV can cause more severe symptoms.

Common symptoms of CMV infection can include:

1. Fever: A mild to high fever is a common symptom of CMV infection.
2. Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or fatigued is another common symptom.
3. Sore throat: Some people with CMV infection may experience a sore throat, similar to that seen with other viral infections.
4. Swollen glands: Swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the neck, can occur with CMV infection.
5. Muscle aches: Some people with CMV infection may experience muscle aches, similar to those seen with the flu.
6. Loss of appetite: A decreased appetite is a common symptom of CMV infection.
7. Headache: Headaches can occur with CMV infection, although they are typically mild.
8. Malaise: A general feeling of being unwell or malaise is common with CMV infection.

In addition to these symptoms, CMV infection can cause more serious complications in people with weakened immune systems, including pneumonia, hepatitis, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and retinitis (inflammation of the retina). Pregnant women who are infected with CMV can pass the virus to their unborn child, which can lead to congenital CMV infection and cause serious birth defects.

It’s important to note that not everyone with CMV infection will experience symptoms, and the severity of symptoms can vary widely. If you have concerns about CMV infection, particularly if you have a weakened immune system or are pregnant, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate testing and management.

What are the causes of cytomegalovirus infection?

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is caused by the cytomegalovirus, a common virus in the herpesvirus family. The virus is found worldwide and can infect people of all ages. CMV is spread through close contact with bodily fluids, such as saliva, urine, blood, and breast milk, of an infected person. The virus can be spread through:

1. Direct contact: CMV can be spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, such as kissing, sexual contact, or sharing utensils or toothbrushes.
2. Transplacental transmission: Pregnant women who are infected with CMV can pass the virus to their unborn child through the placenta. This can lead to congenital CMV infection, which can cause serious birth defects.
3. Blood transfusions: Although rare, CMV can be spread through blood transfusions or organ transplants from an infected donor.
4. Organ transplantation: People who receive an organ transplant from an infected donor are at risk of CMV infection.
5. Breast milk: CMV can be spread to infants through breast milk, although the risk of transmission is low.
6. Childcare settings: CMV can be spread among young children in childcare settings, where close contact and sharing of toys and utensils are common.

Most healthy people who are infected with CMV have no symptoms and may not even be aware that they are infected. However, the virus can cause serious complications in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, organ transplant recipients, and newborns. Pregnant women who are infected with CMV for the first time during pregnancy are also at risk of passing the virus to their unborn child.

What is the treatment for cytomegalovirus infection?

The treatment for cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection depends on the severity of the infection and the health status of the affected individual. In healthy individuals, CMV infection often resolves on its own without specific treatment. However, antiviral medications may be prescribed in certain cases, such as:

1. Severe or symptomatic infection: Antiviral medications such as ganciclovir, valganciclovir, foscarnet, or cidofovir may be used to treat severe or symptomatic CMV infection in immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV/AIDS or organ transplant recipients.
2. Congenital CMV infection: Infants born with congenital CMV infection may be treated with antiviral medications to reduce the risk of long-term complications.
3. CMV retinitis: CMV retinitis, an infection of the retina that can occur in people with weakened immune systems, is treated with antiviral medications to prevent vision loss.
4. Pregnant women: Pregnant women who are infected with CMV for the first time during pregnancy may be monitored closely, but specific treatment is not usually recommended unless the fetus is known to be affected.

It’s important to note that while antiviral medications can help reduce the severity and duration of CMV infection, they may not completely eliminate the virus from the body. In addition, these medications can have side effects, so they are typically used only when the benefits outweigh the risks.

Prevention is an important aspect of managing CMV infection, especially in healthcare settings and among pregnant women. Good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing and avoiding contact with bodily fluids from infected individuals, can help reduce the risk of CMV transmission.