Cytomegalovirus

What is Cytomegalovirus

CMV is a common virus that is related to the herpes family. It can be spread during sex, or in blood, urine, saliva or breast milk.

Many people already have CMV but don't know it. This is because, in healthy adults, no symptoms or problems may develop, as most of us produce enough antibodies to keep it inactive.

What are the Symptoms of Cytomegalovirus

Many people show no noticable symptoms of CMV, However they can include:

• Infection
• Fever
• Flu-like symptoms
• Swollen lymph glands
• Fatigue
• Hepatitis
• Rash
• Pneumonitis
• Retinitis
• Mononucleosis-like illness
• Severe brain damage in infants
• Fever
• Hepatitis
• Asymptomatic
• Chills
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Enlarged spleen
• Anemia
• Blindness in HIV patients
• Lung problems in infants
• Failure to thrive in infants

What are the Causes of Cytomegalovirus

There is no treatment for CMV mononucleosis, as it goes away by itself. CMV that is associated with a weak immune system can be treated with anti-viral drugs. However these may cause side effects such as nausea.

Traditional Medical Treatments for Cytomegalovirus

Treatment aims to relieve symptoms and prevent complications. In the immunosuppressed patient, CMV may be treated with acyclovir, ganciclovir, valganciclovir, cidofovir and, possibly, foscarnet. Most important, parents of children with severe congenital CMV infection need support and counseling to help them cope with the possibility of brain damage or death.