INFORMATION ON CYTOMEGALOVIRUS

Cytomegalovirus is a common virus that infects most people worldwide. Cytomegalovirus infection is usually harmless and rarely causes illness. A healthy immune system can hold the virus in check. However, if a person's immune system is seriously weakened in any way, the virus can become active and cause Cytomegalovirus disease. Infectious mononucleosis is an acute viral infection that may cause high fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph glands, especially in the neck. Unlike the more general form of mononucleosis, caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, this kind is caused by cytomegalovirus.

SYNONYMS OF CYTOMEGALOVIRUS

Synonyms and related keywords:
1. Cytomegalovirus.
2. Cytomegalic inclusion disease.
3. Cytomegalovirus disease.
4. Inclusion body disease.
5. Salivary gland virus.
6. Herpesvirus.
7. Human herpesvirus.
8. Betaherpesvirinae.

CAUSES OF CYTOMEGALOVIRUS

Cytomegalovirus without symptoms is common in babies and young children. It is found in saliva, urine, semen, and other body fluids. The virus is easily spread in households and in daycare centers. It can be transmitted to the fetus during pregnancy and to the baby during delivery or in breast milk.

SYMPTOMS OF CYTOMEGALOVIRUS

Some of the main symptoms are:

1. Fever.
2. Sore throat.
3. Expanded lymph nodes, especially in the neck.
4. Malaise (vague ill feeling).
5. Continuous tiredness or Fatigue.
6. Loss of appetite.
7. Muscular aches or stiffness.

Some sins of Cytomegalovirus include:

1. Jaundice.
2. Headache.
3. Neck stiffness.
4. Sensitivity to light.
5. Shortness of breath.
6. Chest pain.
7. Heart rate increases.
8. Irregular heart rate.

DIAGNOSIS OF CYTOMEGALOVIRUS

Most infections with Cytomegalovirus in the mother are not diagnosed because the virus produces few symptoms. A mother who has had Cytomegalovirus infection before may have antibodies present in her blood stream. The virus can also be cultured from the throat or urine of the mother or baby. For best diagnostic results, laboratory tests for Cytomegalovirus antibody should be performed by using paired serum samples. One blood sample should be taken upon suspicion of Cytomegalovirus, and another one taken within 2 weeks. A virus culture can be performed at any time the patient is symptomatic.

TREATMENT OF CYTOMEGALOVIRUS

Most patients get well within 4 to 6 weeks without medicines. There is no definite treatment available. Antiviral medications do not help. Rest is needed, sometimes for a month or longer to regain full activity levels. Relief of indication is provided with analgesics, and warm salt water gargles for sore throat.