Cytomegalovirus What You Need to Know
Cytomegalovirus What You Need to Know Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that belongs to the herpesvirus family, which also includes herpes simplex and varicella-zoster viruses. It is estimated that over half of adults by age 40 have been infected with CMV, often without even knowing it. For most healthy individuals, CMV remains dormant after initial infection and does not cause significant health issues. However, in certain populations—such as newborns, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals—the virus can pose serious health risks.
The primary mode of CMV transmission is through bodily fluids, including saliva, urine, blood, breast milk, and sexual contact. It is also capable of crossing the placenta from mother to fetus during pregnancy, which can lead to congenital CMV infection. This infection is a leading cause of birth defects and developmental disabilities related to infections acquired during pregnancy.
Most people infected with CMV experience mild or no symptoms, especially in early stages. When symptoms do occur, they may resemble those of mononucleosis, including fever, fatigue, sore throat, swollen glands, and muscle aches. Since these symptoms are common to many illnesses, CMV often goes undiagnosed unless specific testing is performed.
In individuals with weakened immune systems—such as organ transplant recipients, people undergoing chemotherapy, or those with HIV/AIDS—CMV can reactivate from its dormant state. Reactivation can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, hepatitis, gastrointestinal ulcers, and inflammation of the retina, which can cause vision loss. For pregnant women, primary CMV infection or reactivation can result in the virus crossing the placenta and infecting the fetus, potentially leading to hearing loss, intellectual disabilities, and other congenital issues.
Diagnosis of CMV infection typically involves blood tests that detect CMV-specific antibodies or the presence of viral DNA through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. In some cases, tissue biopsies or fluid samples are examined to confirm active infection, especially in immun
ocompromised patients. Because CMV can be asymptomatic or mimic other illnesses, thorough testing is essential for accurate diagnosis.
Currently, there is no cure for CMV infection, and treatment mainly focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications in vulnerable populations. Antiviral medications such as ganciclovir, valganciclovir, and foscarnet can help control the virus in immunocompromised individuals or during congenital infection. For pregnant women, managing CMV involves careful monitoring, although there is no approved antiviral therapy specifically for fetal CMV during pregnancy.
Preventive measures are vital in reducing transmission risk. Good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing, avoiding sharing utensils or drinks, and safe sexual practices, can help lower the chance of infection. Pregnant women are advised to avoid contact with young children’s saliva or urine and to consult healthcare providers for guidance regarding CMV screening and management.
In summary, CMV is a widespread virus that usually remains harmless in healthy individuals but can cause serious health issues in certain populations. Awareness, early diagnosis, and preventive strategies are essential components of managing the risks associated with CMV infection, especially for pregnant women and immunocompromised patients.
