CMV stands for cytomegalovirus, a type of herpes virus that can cause an infection.
CMV structure
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a large, double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the herpesvirus family. It has an icosahedral capsid and a tegument layer surrounding the capsid, with a lipoprotein envelope surrounding the tegument. CMV is a type of herpesvirus, along with herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
CMV infection - signs and symptoms
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection can cause a range of symptoms, which can vary in severity depending on a person’s age and overall health. Some common symptoms of CMV infection include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Swelling and redness in one or more glands
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Rashes
In some cases, a person may not have any symptoms, but still have the virus in their body. It is also possible to have a mild case of CMV and not know it. However, in people with weakened immune systems, such as transplant recipients, CMV can cause more severe symptoms and complications.
Organ involvement in CMV infection
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection can affect many different organs and tissues in the body, including:
- Liver: CMV can cause hepatitis, which can lead to inflammation and damage to the liver.
- Lungs: CMV can cause pneumonia, which can cause coughing, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
- Eyes: CMV can cause retinitis, which can lead to vision loss.
- Gastrointestinal system: CMV can cause stomach and intestinal problems, such as diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain.
- Nervous system: CMV can cause neurological symptoms, such as confusion, seizures, and tremors.
In people with weakened immune systems, CMV can also infect the blood, spleen, heart, and other organs, leading to more severe symptoms and complications.
Who gets CMV infection?
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection can affect people of all ages and from all walks of life. Most people are exposed to CMV at some point in their lives, but the majority of healthy people do not experience any symptoms.
However, some groups of people are at higher risk for CMV infection, including:
- Children: CMV is a common virus in young children and is often spread through close contact with saliva, urine, or other bodily fluids.
- Health care workers: Those who work in health care settings, such as hospitals and nursing homes, are at higher risk of exposure to CMV.
- Pregnant women: CMV can be transmitted from a mother to her fetus during pregnancy, which can cause serious health problems in the baby.
- People with weakened immune systems: People who have HIV/AIDS, have had an organ transplant, or are undergoing chemotherapy are at higher risk of developing more severe symptoms from CMV infection.
Possible treatment options
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is usually treated with antiviral medications, such as:
- Ganciclovir
- Valganciclovir
- Foscarnet
- Cidofovir
The type and duration of treatment will depend on the severity of the infection and the overall health of the person. For example, people with weakened immune systems may need to take antiviral medications for a longer period of time, or may need to receive the medications intravenously in a hospital setting.
In some cases, such as in people with healthy immune systems, the body’s immune system can fight off the CMV infection without the need for antiviral medications. In these cases, treatment may be limited to managing symptoms, such as pain or fever, with over-the-counter medications.
CMV infection prevention
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus, but there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of infection:
- Wash your hands regularly: CMV is spread through contact with bodily fluids, so washing your hands regularly can help reduce your risk of infection.
- Avoid sharing utensils and personal items: Avoid sharing items such as drinking glasses, eating utensils, towels, and toothbrushes, as these can all be sources of CMV infection.
- Practice safe sex: CMV can be transmitted through sexual contact, so it’s important to practice safe sex, such as using condoms, to reduce your risk of infection.
- Avoid close contact with someone who is infected: If you know someone who has CMV, try to avoid close contact with them, especially with their saliva or urine.
- Be cautious when handling babies and young children: CMV is common in young children, so be cautious when handling babies and young children, especially if they have a diaper rash or other symptoms of infection.
It’s also important to take care of your health, eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and avoid stress to keep your immune system healthy and functioning properly. This can help reduce your risk of developing severe symptoms if you do become infected with CMV.
