1.9K Reviews    |    4.7 Star Rating    |    20+ years of experience    |    72k+ Patients Treated

CMV (Cytomegalovirus) Specialist - Dr. Rishi Chadha

Dr Rishi Chadha at GastroDoxs in Houston offers full CMV diagnosis and individual treatment to patients of age. With the help of the high-thrained diagnostics, such as blood tests, endoscopy, and images, he creates specific antiviral and supportive care regimes that will allow you to cope with cytomegalovirus.

Call Us 832-632-4070 Schedule Now Click Here Text Us 832-632-4070 Learn More Click Here
Texas Medical Board
Harris County Medical Society
American College of Gastroenterology
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Memorial hermann
Houston Methodist leading Medicine
HCA Houston Healthcare
Rishi Chadha

About the Expert

Dr. Rishi Chadha, MD is a board‑certified gastroenterologist who specializes in preventive gastroenterology, colorectal cancer screening, and minimally invasive endoscopic procedures. He completed his fellowship at Sunrise Health GME in Las Vegas and previously trained in internal medicine at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Connecticut.

What Is CMV (Cytomegalovirus)?

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a typical virus belonging to herpes families. CMV may manifest itself in many healthy individuals without their awareness or yet they have it.

Nevertheless, CMV has severe illness effects in individuals who have weak immune systems like transplant patients or HIV patients, or individuals receiving chemotherapy..

At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Rishi Chadha provides expert diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment for CMV infection to protect your long-term health.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

  • Close contact with bodily fluids (saliva, urine, breast milk)
  • Weakened immunity (HIV infection, transplant recipients, chemotherapy)
  • Pregnancy (risk of passing CMV to the fetus)
  • Age extremes (infants and older adults)

Signs and Symptoms

  • Fever and fatigue
  • Sore throat or swollen glands
  • Muscle aches
  • Gastrointestinal discomfort (abdominal pain, diarrhea)

How Dr. Rishi Diagnoses CMV (Cytomegalovirus)?

Dr. Rishi uses a step-by-step approach:

Medical History and Physical Exam

He examines chief medical history, evaluates risk factors (e.g. immunosuppression), and completes a clear physical examination.

Blood Tests

To differentiate an active infection and a prior exposure and to determine immune response, he orders CMV AB IgM and CMV IgG antibody testing.

Endoscopy and Tissue Biopsy

In case of suspected GI involvement, he conducts endoscopic analysis using specific biopsy in order to confirm completely located CMV colitis or organ specific disease.

Imaging Studies (if needed)

  • CT or MRI scans to rule out alternative causes of symptoms or identify complications.
Dr. Rishi Chadha
Treatment

Our Houston team offers a full range of care for CMV infection.

1. Lifestyle and Dietary Modifications

  • Keep hydrated: get 6-8 glasses of water per day.
  • Small nutritious meals may be eaten when not hungry.
  • Take a break and do not overwork to boost your body defense.
  • Keep clean (washing hands, not sharing spoons, forks).

2. Medications

  • Ganciclovir or valganciclovir: initial antivirals in the management of moderate to severe CMV.
  • Letermovir: It is used in transplant procedures as an agent against CMV activation.
  • Pain and antacids to relieve fever and gastro-intestinal disturbance.

3. Minimal or Sophisticated Procedures

  • Endoscopic follow-up: to monitor and heal GI CMV colitis.
  • Placing infusion ports in a patient leading to the necessity of prolonged antiviral treatment.
  • Nutritional assistance by use of feeding tubes in case of extreme malabsorption.
Rishi Chadha

About the Author

Dr. Rishi Chadha, MD is a board‑certified gastroenterologist who specializes in preventive gastroenterology, colorectal cancer screening, and minimally invasive endoscopic procedures. He completed his fellowship at Sunrise Health GME in Las Vegas and previously trained in internal medicine at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Connecticut.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection?

CMV infection is done by the virus when the virus penetrates into your body and replicates. Symptoms are not apparent to many of the people yet it can make the bearer sick when one has a weakened immunity.

Knowledge of CMV activity?

The positive CMV IgM test or a major increase in CMV IgG antibody levels generally signals of the current or recent infection.

Can a blood test show CMV?

Yes. Blood tests that measure CMV IgM and IgG antibodies can be done to establish whether an active infection or prior exposure.

What are common CMV symptoms?

A large number of cases are mild or asymptomatic. Symptoms may present as fever, tiredness, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes and in some instances abdominal pains or diarrhea in case the GI tract is affected.

What is the meaning of CMV IgG positive?

IgG positive means that the person has been subjected to CMV. It implies that you have grown antibodies and can have permanent immunity, but the virus can be dormant.

Is CMV serious?

CMV causes a mild illness in the majority of healthy adults. It may be severe in cases of newborns, recipients of organ transplantation, and those with weakened immune systems.

How is CMV treated?

It is usually treated using antiviral drugs like ganciclovir or valganciclovir and supportive interventions which include hydration and rest.

Can CMV recur?

Yes. CMV remains within your organism in a dormant state and may become re-activated when your immune system is very weak.

What is the duration of treatments of CMV?

The time taken to treat changes according to the patient. A majority of them need 2-6 weeks of antivirals; transplant patients might require extended preventive therapy using agents such as letermovir.

So where can I get to know more about CMV?

To get the comprehensive information, refer to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.

Related Blogs
Abdominal Pain

The Difference Between a Bellyache and Abdominal Pain

Read More
Abdominal Pain

Seven Signs You May Have Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Read More
Abdominal Pain

Hyperthyroidism and Diarrhea: Understanding the Causes and Treatment Options

Read More