A :
B :
C :
D :
E :
F :
G :
H :
I :
J :
K :
L :
M :
N :
O :
P :
Q :
R :
S :
T :
U :
V :
W :
X :
Y :
Z
Cytomegalovirus Infection
Medical Questions » Cytomegalovirus Infection
| Name: Cytomegalovirus Infection |
| Also known as: CMV |
| Extremely common viral infection affecting between 10% and 25% of the entire population at any one time. Infection rate may be in excess of 80% in homosexual men. May be a serious illness in patients who have reduced immunity due to treatment with cytotoxic drugs for cancer, have suffered other serious illnesses, are anemic, suffering from AIDS or other immune affecting diseases, or who are extremely run-down from stress or overwork. |
Causes of Cytomegalovirus Infection
Infection with the cytomegalovirus (CMV). Normally passes from one person to another in saliva or as droplets in the breath, but may also spread through blood transfusions or sexual contact. |
Symptoms of Cytomegalovirus Infection
In all but a tiny percentage of infected people, there are absolutely no symptoms, and they appear and feel totally well. Adults with reduced immunity develop a fever, headaches, overwhelming tiredness, muscle and joint pains, enlarged lymph nodes and a tender liver. |
Tests for Cytomegalovirus Infection
Detected by specific blood tests, and the virus may be found in sputum, saliva, urine and other body fluids. |
Treatment for Cytomegalovirus Infection
No specific treatment. Aspirin and/or paracetamol are used to control fever and pain, and prolonged rest is required for recovery.
|
Complications of Cytomegalovirus Infection of its treatment
In patients with severely reduced immunity, pneumonia and hepatitis may develop. If a pregnant woman with reduced immunity acquires a significant CMV infection, her baby may be affected in the womb and be born with liver damage (jaundice), enlarged liver and spleen, poor ability to clot blood, bruises, mental retardation, and one in six are deaf. |
Likely Outcome of Cytomegalovirus Infection
Uneventful recovery expected in normal patients. In immune compromised patients, pneumonia and hepatitis may be fatal. |
|
|
