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Cytomegalovirus Infections

Also called: CMV

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a virus found around the world. It is related to the viruses that cause chickenpox and infectious mononucleosis (mono). Between 50 percent and 80 percent of adults in the United States have had a CMV infection by age 40. Once CMV is in a person's body, it stays there for life.

CMV is spread through close contact with body fluids. Most people with CMV don't get sick and don't know that they've been infected. But infection with the virus can be serious in babies and people with weak immune systems. If a woman gets CMV when she is pregnant, she can pass it on to her baby. Usually the babies do not have health problems. But some babies can develop lifelong disabilities.

A blood test can tell whether a person has ever been infected with CMV. Most people with CMV don't need treatment. If you have a weakened immune system, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medicine. Good hygiene, including proper hand washing, may help prevent infections.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Symptoms of Cytomegalovirus Infections

The following features are indicative of Cytomegalovirus Infections:
  • jaundice
  • purple skin splotches or a rash or both
  • low birth weight
  • enlarged spleen
  • enlarged and poorly functioning liver
  • pneumonia
  • seizures
It is possible that Cytomegalovirus Infections shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.

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Common Causes of Cytomegalovirus Infections

The following are the most common causes of Cytomegalovirus Infections:
  • cytomegalovirus

Risk Factors for Cytomegalovirus Infections

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Cytomegalovirus Infections:
  • individuals with weakened immune system
  • 40 years of age
  • babies in utero

Prevention of Cytomegalovirus Infections

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Cytomegalovirus Infections. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
  • wash hands properly
  • avoid contact with tears and saliva during kissing a child
  • avoid sharing food or drinking out of the same glass as others
  • be careful with disposable items
  • clean toys and countertops
  • practice safe sex

Occurrence of Cytomegalovirus Infections

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Cytomegalovirus Infections cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Very common > 10 Million cases

Common Age Group

Cytomegalovirus Infections most commonly occurs in the following age group:
  • Aged between 20-35 years

Common Gender

Cytomegalovirus Infections can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Cytomegalovirus Infections

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Cytomegalovirus Infections:
  • Screening and testing for your baby: To examine a sample of amniotic fluid to determine whether the fetus has the infection

Doctor for Diagnosis of Cytomegalovirus Infections

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Cytomegalovirus Infections:
  • Infectious disease specialist

Complications of Cytomegalovirus Infections if untreated

Yes, Cytomegalovirus Infections causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Cytomegalovirus Infections is left untreated:
  • CMV mononucleosis
  • esophagitis
  • pneumonia
  • encephalitis
  • vision loss
  • hepatitis
  • colitis

Self-care for Cytomegalovirus Infections

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Cytomegalovirus Infections:
  • Wash hands more often: Helps fighting against CMV infections
  • Avoid sharing utensils: Avoid sharing food or drinking out of the same glass as others, helps in fighting infections
  • Practice safe sex: Helps in preventing the spreading of the CMV virus

Patient Support for Treatment of Cytomegalovirus Infections

The following actions may help Cytomegalovirus Infections patients:
  • Parent support: Helps coping with condition

Is Cytomegalovirus Infections Infectious?

Yes, Cytomegalovirus Infections is known to be infectious. It can spread across people via the following means:
  • sexual contact with an infected person
  • organ transplantation
  • breast milk of an infected mother
  • touching the inside of the nose or mouth after coming into contact with the body fluids of an infected person

Related Topics

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Cytomegalovirus Infections.

Related Topics

Viral Infections

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