Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that can infect people of all ages and often remains dormant in the body. It is a member of the herpesvirus family and can cause severe complications in immunocompromised individuals and newborns.
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CMV is transmitted through bodily fluids such as saliva, blood, urine, semen, and breast milk.
Primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic or causes mild flu-like symptoms in healthy individuals.
In immunocompromised patients, such as those with HIV/AIDS or organ transplant recipients, CMV can lead to severe conditions like pneumonia, retinitis, or gastrointestinal disease.
Congenital CMV infection occurs when a pregnant woman transmits the virus to her fetus, potentially resulting in serious birth defects or developmental disabilities.
Diagnosis of CMV infection can be confirmed through serological tests that detect CMV-specific antibodies or molecular techniques like PCR to identify viral DNA.
Review Questions
What are the primary modes of transmission for cytomegalovirus?
Why is CMV particularly dangerous for immunocompromised individuals?