Cytomegalovirus Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Understanding

Cytomegalovirus is a type of virus that commonly infects humans. Cytomegalovirus is also known as CMV, HCMV, or Human Herpes Virus 5 (HHV5).

It is estimated that 50 percent of the human population has been infected with this virus before reaching the age of 40. However, this virus can infect at any age and there is no difference between infection in men and women.

Once infected, the virus will remain in the human body (dormant) and virus reactivation may occur at a later date. In most people, CMV infection has no signs or symptoms. But in certain cases, such as in a person with a weakened immune system and a fetus, CMV infection can cause serious health problems.

Reason

Cytomegalovirus is a type of virus that belongs to the Herpesviridae family. Other viruses in the same family that frequently infect humans are the herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus, and Epstein-Barr virus.

The first infection with CMV is called a primary infection and is usually asymptomatic. After that, generally, the virus will remain in the body and is called a latent infection.

Later in life, the CMV virus can be reactivated and cause symptoms. Reactivation generally occurs in someone with decreased immunity, for example with HIV / AIDS, in treatment with chemotherapy or immunosuppressants, and so on.

CMV virus can be found in body fluids, such as saliva, urine, blood, tears, semen, and breast milk. Modes of transmission of cytomegalovirus include:

• Direct contact with saliva and urine, especially in infants and children
• Through sexual contact
• During pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding (from mother to child)
• Organ transplant and blood donation

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of cytomegalovirus infection requires a complete evaluation, especially since there are often no complaints or symptoms. A complete evaluation is carried out through:

• Detailed history or medical interview with the aim of knowing the signs and symptoms you are feeling, as well as your medical history
• A physical examination is carried out regarding the complaints that are felt
• Investigations are carried out to check for antibodies to the virus (IgM and IgG anti-CMV. Antibodies can be detected in someone who is already infected), definitive examination through PCR examination to detect viral DNA, microscopic examination of the biopsied tissue show inclusion bodies (collection picture ) CMV in cells), and so on.

Symptom

As mentioned earlier, oftentimes infection with cytomegalovirus does not cause symptoms, so many people do not realize they are infected with CMV.

However, there are signs that may be felt when infected with CMV, such as:

• Generally high fever (above 38 ⁰ C)
• Muscle ache
• Feel tired
• Sore throat
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Loss of appetite
• Nauseous
• Diarrhea
• Enlarged liver and spleen

If it attacks someone with decreased immunity, CMV infection can cause serious problems, such as:

• CMV retinitis (causing blurred vision and blindness)
• Pneumonia
• Hepatitis
• Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
• Behavior changes, seizures, and coma

If someone transmits CMV infection during pregnancy, congenital CMV symptoms may appear, including deafness (in 20 percent of cases), jaundice (abnormal yellow color of the skin and eyes), skin rash, premature birth, and microcephaly. This infection can also cause miscarriage.

Treatment

Specific treatment for cytomegalovirus infection in healthy people is not required. Generally, only symptomatic treatment (medication according to symptoms, such as anti-fever, anti-pain, anti-nausea) is recommended to treat bothersome symptoms.

Anti-viral treatment may be recommended in certain cases, for example for those with decreased immunity, or babies born with congenital CMV.