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CMV Infection by Vonne Sieve, MA

Definition

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common infection caused by a virus. It can cause swollen lymph glands, fever, and fatigue. Most people with CMV do not show symptoms of infection and are not aware they have it. A CMV infection usually occurs in young adults. The virus then remains in your body for the rest of your life. It is often in a sleeping state but can be activated by stressful situations.

CMV infections rarely causes health problems except for people with compromised immune systems such as those with:

Organ transplant
HIV infection
Immune suppressing medication

Babies who are not born yet are also at risk for congenital CMV.

The Lymphatic Organs

Causes

CMV is caused by a herpes virus. The virus is passed between people through body fluids. CMV can be passed during:

Kissing
Sexual intercourse
Breastfeeding
Changing the diaper of an infected infant

Risk Factors

This virus is so common throughout the US that everyone is considered at risk for CMV. People with the highest risk of getting this virus include:

Children and childcare providers in day care and preschool—due to frequent exposure to body fluids
People with suppressed or impaired immune systems including people with:
- Transplant
- Current chemotherapy
- HIV or AIDS

Symptoms

The virus does not cause any symptoms when it is inactive. The virus may be activated because of medication or illness. Symptoms of the activated virus include:

Swollen lymph glands
Sore throat
Fever
Fatigue

People with suppressed or impaired immune systems can also develop:

Diarrhea
Pneumonia
Colitis—inflammation of the large intestines with ulcers and bleeding
Retinitis—an eye infection that can cause blindness
Hepatitis—infection of the liver
Encephalitis—infection of the brain that can result in seizures or coma

Diagnosis

CMV infection is not often diagnosed because the virus rarely produces symptoms. If CMV is suspected, the doctor may look for signs of the infection in blood or fluid samples. A biopsy may also be done on organs that are affected.

Treatment

Most people infected with CMV will not need a specific treatment. Treatment may be needed if the virus is reactivated and you have a weakened immune system.

Antiviral medications may be used for people who have an organ transplant or suppressed immune system. These medications do not cure CMV but can decrease the symptoms and duration of the illness.

Prevention

While there is no definitive way to prevent CMV, there are a some measures that can decrease your chance of the infection:

Wash your hands frequently.
Properly dispose of diapers.
Do not share glasses or eating utensils.
Avoiding intimate contact with people known to have the CMV infection.
Practice safe sex.

RESOURCES:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) http://www.cdc.gov/
National Institutes of Health http://www.nih.gov/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

HerpesGuide.ca http://www.herpesguide.ca/
Public Health Agency of Canada http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/

References:

CMV infection. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Updated October 1, 2012. Accessed May 15, 2013.
Cytomegalovirus. American Association of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/cytomegalovirus.html . Updated February 2010. Accessed May 15, 2013.
Cytomegalovirus and Congenital CMV infection. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/cmv/index.html . Updated July 28, 2010. Accessed May 15, 2013.

Last reviewed May 2013 by Michael K. Mansour, MD, PhD

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