CMV in immunocompromised host
Definition:
A member of a group of large herpes-type viruses that can
cause many diseases in people with impaired immunity.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Cytomegalovirus, also known as CMV, is a virus. Most humans
are exposed to this virus in their lifetime, but typically
only individuals with weakened immune systems become ill from
CMV infection. Eighty-five percent of adults have antibodies
(an indication of previous infection) to it in their blood
by age 40. Usually CMV produces no symptoms. However, serious
CMV infections can occur in people with impaired immunity
(immunocompromised host), such as those with AIDS,
organ transplant and bone
marrow transplant recipients, and people receiving chemotherapy
or other immunosuppressive treatments. Infections can include
CMV pneumonia, CMV gastroenteritis,
CMV retinitis, and CMV
encephalitis and a mononucleosis-like
illness.
Once a person becomes infected, the virus remains alive,
but usually dormant, within that person's body for life. Rarely
does it cause recurrent disease unless the person's immune
system is suppressed due to therapeutic drugs or disease.
Therefore, for the vast majority of people, CMV infection
is not a serious problem.
Other than immunocompromised individuals, primary CMV infection
in pregnant women can cause harm to the developing fetus.
The CDC recommends that women who are pregnant and have never
been exposed to CMV should follow the precautions listed below.
1. Throughout the pregnancy, practice good personal hygiene.
Hand washing with soap and water, especially after contact
with diapers or oral secretions (particularly of a child who
is in day care), is very important.
2. Women who develop a mononucleosis-like illness during
pregnancy should be evaluated for CMV infection and counseled
about the possible risks to the unborn child.
3. Laboratory testing for antibody to CMV can be performed
to determine if a woman has already had CMV infection.
Update Date: 04/01/00
Updated By: Luis A. Diaz, Jr. M.D., Johns Hopkins Medical Institute, VeriMed
Health Network
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