Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that infects most people at some time during their lives but rarely causes obvious illness. It is a member of the herpes virus family. Other members of the herpes virus family cause chickenpox, infectious mononucleosis, fever blisters (herpes I) and genital herpes (herpes II). Like other herpes viruses, CMV infection can become dormant for a while and may reactivate at a later time. The virus is carried by people and is not associated with food, water or animals.

Causes of Cytomegalovirus

This disease can be developed when infection of CMV transmitted to the fetus through the placenta by a pregnant woman. When a mother develops a problem, it may be possible that there is no symptoms exist. Children are commonly affected by this disease.

Causes of this disease include:

Jaundice.
Intracranial calcifications.,
Rashes.
Inflammated retina.

Symptoms of Cytomegalovirus

There is no symptoms. A few people will have symptoms that are similar to mononucleosis (such as a sore throat, fever, headache and tiredness). People who have weakened immune systems because they have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or because they received an organ transplant may have severe symptoms.

Diagnosis of Cytomegalovirus

There are special laboratory tests to culture the virus but such testing is difficult, expensive and not widely available. Specific blood tests can be helpful to the physician in making a diagnosis or determining if a person has been exposed but the results are sometimes inaccurate.

CT scan of the head.
X-ray.
Blood test.

Treatment of Cytomegalovirus

Treatment depends on the signs and symptoms of the disease. your doctor may use one of several different medicines to treat CMV infection. However, because CMV is a virus, antibiotics won't work against it. If your body's immune system is normal, your body should be able to control the infection on its own.

Specific treatment such as physical therapy is effective to treat cytomegalovirus disease. Sometimes drugs such as ganciclovir may help to reduce hearing loss and low immunity. Sometimes anti-virus medicines such as Valganciclovir will be preferred by your health care provider.

Prevention Tips of Cytomegalovirus

The best way to prevent infection is to practice good personal hygiene. Wash hands often with soap and warm water. Avoid mouth contact with the body fluids of young children.

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