Cytomegalovirus (CMV) – Symptoms and Causes
Understanding Cytomegalovirus
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a widespread virus that remains in the body permanently after infection. Most healthy individuals don’t experience symptoms or realize they carry the virus.
However, CMV requires attention in specific situations, particularly during pregnancy or in people with compromised immune systems.
Pregnant women with active CMV infections can transmit the virus to their unborn children, potentially causing health issues. For individuals with weakened immune systems, especially transplant recipients, CMV can be life-threatening.
The virus spreads through various body fluids, including blood, saliva, urine, semen, and breast milk. While there is no cure for CMV, several medications can help manage symptoms and reduce complications.
Signs and Health Problems
In Babies
Babies with CMV at birth often show no symptoms. Some may seem healthy at first but develop problems later on. The most common delayed signs include hearing loss and slower development. Some babies also have vision problems.
Babies who are sick at birth from CMV may have:
- Early arrival before due date
- Low weight at birth
- Yellowing of skin and eyes
- Liver problems
- Purple spots or rash on skin
- Unusually small head
- Enlarged spleen
- Lung infection
- Seizures
In People with Weakened Immune Systems
Those with weakened immune systems may face serious health issues affecting multiple body parts, including:
- Eyes
- Lungs
- Liver
- Digestive Tract (Esophagus, Stomach, Intestines)
- Brain
These problems can be more severe and harder to treat than in people with normal immune function.
In Healthy Adults
Most healthy adults with CMV have few or no symptoms. Some might experience symptoms similar to mono, such as:
- Extreme tiredness
- Higher body temperature
- Pain in the throat
- Muscle pain and soreness
These symptoms typically go away on their own without treatment in a few weeks.
When to Visit a Healthcare Provider
If you have a weakened immune system and notice symptoms of CMV infection, contact your doctor right away. This is crucial for anyone who has had a stem cell or organ transplant, as infections can be serious or life-threatening.
Pregnant women should seek medical care if they develop any illness with symptoms similar to mononucleosis, such as:
- Extreme fatigue
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Swollen glands
For healthy individuals experiencing mild CMV symptoms, simple self-care measures like getting enough rest will usually help your body control the infection naturally.
If you were diagnosed with CMV during pregnancy, be sure to inform your baby’s doctor. The healthcare provider will likely need to check your baby for potential hearing or vision problems that can be associated with congenital CMV infection.
Regular monitoring is important to catch any developmental issues early.
Causes
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) belongs to the same family as chickenpox, herpes simplex, and mononucleosis viruses. This virus typically follows a pattern of dormancy and reactivation. In healthy individuals, CMV usually remains inactive.
The virus spreads through various body fluids, including:
- Blood
- Urine
- Saliva
- Breast milk
- Tears
- Semen
- Vaginal fluids
Important: You cannot catch CMV through casual contact.
CMV transmission occurs in several ways:
- Touching your eyes, nose, or mouth after contact with infected fluids
- Sexual contact with an infected person
- Breastfeeding from an infected mother
- Receiving infected organs, bone marrow, stem cells, or blood
- During pregnancy or childbirth (vertical transmission)
For pregnant women, the risk to the baby is highest when the mother experiences her first CMV infection during pregnancy. The virus can pass from mother to child before or during birth.
When active in your body, you can transmit the virus to others. The virus cycles between active and inactive states throughout a person’s lifetime.
Risk Factors
Most people might get exposed to CMV at some point in their lives. The virus spreads through:
- Direct contact with body fluids like saliva, urine, and blood
- Close personal contact, such as kissing or sexual contact
- Mother-to-baby transmission during pregnancy or birth
- Breast milk from an infected mother
- Organ transplants or blood transfusions
People with weakened immune systems face higher risks of CMV complications. This includes:
- Organ transplant recipients
- People with HIV/AIDS
- Those taking immune-suppressing medications
Daycare workers and healthcare professionals who handle bodily fluids may also have increased exposure to the virus.
Problems That May Occur
Generally Healthy People
In rare cases, CMV can cause symptoms like mononucleosis in healthy adults. This happens only occasionally. Other uncommon issues might affect the:
- Digestive system
- Liver
- Brain
- Nervous system
Most healthy adults with CMV don’t experience serious problems.
People With Weakened Immune Systems
Those with compromised immunity face more serious risks from CMV, including:
| Complications | Description |
|---|---|
| Eye Damage | Inflammation of the retina (retinitis) that can lead to vision loss |
| Digestive Issues | Inflammation of the colon, esophagus, and liver |
| Brain Problems | Encephalitis (brain inflammation) |
| Lung Infection | Pneumonia |
Babies Born with CMV
Babies whose mothers first get CMV during pregnancy face higher risks. Possible problems include:
- Hearing loss
- Delayed mental development
- Vision issues
- Seizures
- Poor coordination
- Muscle weakness or control problems
These effects can range from mild to severe, depending on when the infection occurred.
Prevention
Good hygiene practices are essential to prevent CMV infection. Taking certain steps can reduce your risk of getting or spreading this virus.
Washing hands properly is crucial. Use soap and water for 15-20 seconds. Do this especially after contact with young children, changing diapers, or handling items with saliva. This is particularly important for those who interact with children in daycare settings.
Be mindful when showing affection to children. Instead of kissing them on the lips, kiss their forehead to avoid contact with saliva. This precaution is especially important for pregnant women.
Everyday preventive measures include:
- Avoiding shared drinks or utensils
- Properly disposing of items with bodily fluids
- Cleaning toys and surfaces that contact children’s saliva or urine
- Using condoms during sexual activity
| High-Risk Groups | Recommended Actions |
|---|---|
| Pregnant women | Extra hand hygiene; avoid kissing children on lips |
| Immunocompromised people | Consider preventive antiviral medications |
| Childcare workers | Frequent handwashing, careful diaper disposal |
For people with weakened immune systems, doctors may prescribe antiviral medication as a preventive measure.
Researchers are developing vaccines that may help protect women of childbearing age. These vaccines could prevent CMV infection in mothers and babies and reduce the risk of disabilities in infants born to women infected during pregnancy.
