CMV is a wide occurrence of the family herpesvirus. When infected, the virus stays in your body forever, which oftentimes is in a dormant state and does not produce any symptoms. In case of the weakening of your immune system, CMV can emerge. When a pregnant mother passes CMV to the unborn baby, it is referred to as congenital CMV and this may cause long term health challenges to the baby.
Symptoms are never experienced by many healthy adults. When they do, they may be an insidious sort of mono-like:
CMV can lead to more severe complications in individuals with depressed immunity (this is the case with transplant recipients or undergoing chemotherapy):
The CMV is transmitted by direct contact with infected body fluids. The most common lines of transmission are:
In GastroDoxs, our gastroenterologists with board certification provide CMV management-the complying with an accurate diagnostics to individual antiviral therapy and supplemental follow-ups. We are dedicated to your comfort, safety and the long term health. The change to quality and comfortable CMV care is already a step closer and today you can book your appointment.
We've successfully treated more than 1K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
CMV (cytomegalovirus) is a popular virus of herpesvirus nature. Once the virus has been contracted, usually without serious illness or symptoms, it can stay in the body permanently and can wake up in the case of a weakened immune system.
The CMV is passed in infected body fluids such as saliva, urine, blood, breast milk, and sexual secretions. It may also be transmitted through pregnancy, birth or breast feeding, through organ transplant or blood transfusion.
Individuals who are at greatest risk are pregnant women (because of congenital CMV), infants and individuals who have a weakened immune system particularly transplant patients, or people undergoing chemotherapy.
Blood tests are usually used in making the diagnosis. The active infection is confirmed by CMV DNA PCR testing; the former assesses the presence of CMV IgG/IgM antibodies; the latter helps examine the risk of pregnancy and determine whether a person has been exposed to CMV.
Form of treatment is based on healthiness and the severity of the infection. Active cases are treated using antiviral drugs such as ganciclovir or valganciclovir. None of the supportive measures-rest, hydration, and monitoringI can ignore either.
Yes. In case a pregnant woman contracts a primary CMV infection, the virus may bypass the placenta and enter the fetus having potential consequences of congenital CMV and long-term illness.
Congenital CMV is the infection of a baby, which is staying at birth. It can create hearing loss or vision problems; developmental delays, or other neurological disorders, even when the newborn does not exhibit any acute symptoms.
CMV retinitis is a CMV infection infection of the retina, which is most commonly seen in immunocompromised patients. It may cause loss of vision, floaters, blind spots, and eventual loss of vision in case of not receiving treatment.
Though no vaccine, you could lower the chances of CMV infection by observing good hygiene practices: wash hands often, do not share food or utensils, and barrier protection during sexual behavior in case one of the partners is infected.
See a healthcare provider in case of pregnancy or if you are having incessant flu like symptoms as well as those with compromised immune system. The treatment and early testing at a center that specializes in CMV (such as GastroDoxs in Jersey Village), can optimize the case.
