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## What is Cytomegalovirus Infection?
**Cytomegalovirus Infection (CMV)**, a common infection caused by the Cytomegalovirus (CMV) virus, belongs to the herpesvirus family. CMV remains latent after primary infection and can reactivate periodically, causing disease in individuals with weakened immune systems.
## How Does CMV Spread?
CMV spreads through contact with bodily fluids, such as:
* **Saliva**
* **Urine**
* **Blood**
* **Breast milk**
* **Seminal fluids**
* **Cervical secretions**
**CMV Transmission Risk Factors:**
* Close contact with infected individuals, especially infants and young children
* Blood transfusions or organ transplants
* Childbirth by an infected mother
* Unprotected sexual activity
## What are the Symptoms of CMV?
**Congenital Infection (prenatal):**
* Low birth weight
* Microcephaly (small head)
* Hearing loss
* Visual impairment
* Liver and spleen enlargement
* Central nervous system disorders (e.g., seizures)
**Postnatal Infection (acquired):**
* **Immunocompromised individuals:**
* Fever
* Fatigue
* Swollen lymph nodes
* Liver inflammation (Hepatitis)
* Pneumonia
* **Healthy individuals:**
* Typically asymptomatic or mild symptoms resembling mononucleosis
## How is CMV Treated?
* **Antiviral medications (e.g., ganciclovir, valganciclovir):** Used to suppress the virus in immunocompromised individuals
* **Immune globulin:** Provides passive immunity to newborns with congenital CMV
* **Treatment of complications:** Specific therapy for affected organs (e.g., antibiotics for pneumonia)
## Who is at High Risk of CMV?
* **Newborns (Congenital CMV):** Infants born to infected mothers are at highest risk of congenital CMV
* **Immunocompromised individuals:** People with HIV, transplant recipients, or receiving chemotherapy have a weakened immune system, making them more susceptible to CMV reactivation
* **Pregnant women:** Primary CMV infection during pregnancy can lead to congenital CMV in the fetus
## How to Prevent CMV?
* **Hygienic practices:** Wash hands frequently, avoid contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals
* **Safe blood and organ donation:** Screening for CMV before transfusions or transplants
* **Avoid raw meat and eggs:** Ingesting undercooked food can transmit CMV
* **Use condoms:** Reduces the risk of sexual transmission
## Conclusion
Cytomegalovirus infection is a common viral infection with variable symptoms and outcomes. While healthy individuals usually experience mild or no symptoms, it can be severe in newborns and immunocompromised individuals. Understanding the transmission, risk factors, and preventive measures for CMV is crucial for reducing its burden and protecting vulnerable populations.
Cytomegalovirus is a common virus that most people get at some point in their lives. It is usually mild, but can be more severe in pregnant women, babies and people with weak immune systems.