A Family Doctor's Tale - CYTOMEGALOVIRUS

DOC I HAVE CYTOMEGALOVIRUS

Cytomegalovirus is viral infection which is transmitted through body fluid.

It may be transmitted to the  babies through body fluids (urine, blood, saliva, tears, semen and breast milk)  of the mother and may cause deformities.

In children and adults the symptoms are usually mild with some fever.

There is no treatment or cure for this virus.

Prognosis for deformed babies are usually poor.


Cytomegalovirus is an acute viral disease of all ages which can be transmitted to the fetus before birth.

It affects people at all ages but seldom causes any symptoms in adults.



Cytomegalovirus is a virus of the herpes group characterized by its ability to stay dormant in the body over a long period.

It is transmitted in body fluid (urine, saliva ,blood, semen, tears and breast milk)



Adult and children Cytomegalovirus infection do not normally give rise to symptoms except for mild fever and a mononucleosis-like illness.

Congenital Cytomegalovirus infections presents itself at birth:

1.Microcephaly( small brain)


2.Hepatosplenomegaly (enlarged liver and spleen) with jaundice

3.Hearing impairment

4.Blindness

5.Chorioretinitis (inflammation of the  retinal cells)


6.Hemolytic anemia with petechiae

7.Seizures

8.Respiratory distress

Diagnosis of Cytomegalovirus is made through:


1.blood tests for igG or igM for Cytomegalovirus are positive within 3 weeks of birth

2.Usually appears normal at birth

3.Ultrasound during pregnancy to identify any brain abnormalities .

4.Saliva , urine may be taken to test if there is presence of the Cytomegalovirus.

The complications of Cytomegalovirus:

1.Respiratory distress

2.Mental retardation

3.Hemolytic anemia

4.Blindness

5.Deafness

Treatment of Cytomegalovirus:


There is no effective treatment of Cytomegalovirus at the present moment.

A antiviral drug ganciclovir which is used to treat AIDS may help babies with Cytomegalovirus infection.

A vaccine is also being developed for prevention.



Prognosis for congenital Cytomegalovirus infection is poor.

Adult Cytomegalovirus infection do not have any problem.



There is no vaccine at the present moment for Cytomegalovirus.

Transmission of Cytomegalovirus infection is always preventable because it is transmitted through body fluid from hand,nose and mouth of a susceptible person.

People who interacts with children and pregnant mothers should practise good safe hygiene methods such as washing of hand and wearing of clothes when changing diapers.

Pregnant women are also advised to practice safe hygiene methods and to seek advice in the presence of a mononucleosis-like illness.