Cytomegalovirus, also known as CMV, is a virus in the same herpes family that can cause symptoms such as fever, discomfort and abdominal swelling. In addition to herpes, this virus is present in most people, but only causes symptoms when the immune system is depressed as in infected women, HIV-positive people, or patients being treated for cancer, for example.
During boarding, this virus is detected by prenatal exanthemum, but is generally harmless and does not cause any change in the baby, especially if the woman has been infected before being diverted; However, when women become infected during the virus they can cause problems such as microcephaly and pain in the baby. Learn more about onboard cytomegalovirus infection.
- In general.
- Cytomegalovirus infection causes no symptoms.
- As it is common for the person to discover that they are infected only during a virus-specific blood test.
However, some symptoms that can occur when the immune system is weakened include:
Due to the risk of malformations in the baby, all ashamed women should be screened for the virus, as they are not already present, to start treatment to prevent the virus from affecting the baby.
Diagnosis of cytomegalovirus infection is made by a specific blood test, which may also show antibodies to the virus; when the test result is the reactive result of IGM CMV, this indicates that virus infection is still initial, but if the result is reactive IgG CMV, it means that the virus is present longer in the body, remaining for life, as well as with the herpes virus.
In the meantime, if the result is a reactive IgM CMV, you should start treatment with antivirals or immunoglobulins, to avoid transmitting the virus to the baby.
Treatment of cytomegalovirus infection can be done with antiviral drugs, such as ganciclovir and foscarnet, for example, but has high toxicity to blood cells and kidneys, as recommended by your doctor, only in particular situations such as in cases where the infection is very advanced, for example.
Due to the generally recommended treatment, the use of painkillers, such as acetaminophen, to relieve symptoms such as hair pain and cold, this treatment is usually done at home for 14 days, with the person having to rest and increase their water consumption, to help the body eliminate the virus.
Complications of cytomegalovirus occur mainly in children infected with the virus during the embargo and include:
For adults, complications occur when the infection develops, it occurs in people who have a depressed immune system, such as in diseases such as AIDS and lupus, for example, that can lead to blindness and death from leg movements.
Cytomegalovirus transmission can occur through contact with body secretions such as saliva, intimate contact with an infected person, or the use of contaminated objects such as vases, buckets, and towels.
In addition, the virus could also be transmitted by transfusion of blood or mother to child, especially when the woman is sent and infected during shipment.
To avoid cytomegalovirus infection it is important to wash well, especially before going to the bathroom and changing the baby’s bed, it is also necessary to wash food well in time to cook them.
In addition, it is important to use condoms in sex and avoid sharing personal items with others.