The Basics
Written by the doctors and editors at UpToDate � �
What is cytomegalovirus (CMV)? " � Cytomegalovirus is a virus that can cause a fever, tiredness, and other symptoms. Doctors also call it "CMV. " � � �
CMV is very common. Many people have the virus without knowing it. Some people dont get sick when they have it, but others do. � �
CMV can cause serious illness in people with conditions that weaken the body's infection-fighting system (called the "immune system " �). These conditions include: � �
- An organ transplant, such as a new kidney or lung
- A stem cell transplant " � Stem cells are special cells that can turn into many different types of cells. For transplant, they can be taken from bone marrow or blood.
- HIV " � This is the virus that causes AIDS.
- Being sick in the hospital for a long time, especially in the intensive care unit (also called the "ICU " �)
CMV can be very serious for people with these conditions. It can even be life-threatening. � �
Babies can also get CMV when they are in their mother's womb. This is called "congenital CMV. " � Babies with congenital CMV can have serious health problems, such as hearing or vision loss, or being small. � �
What are the symptoms of CMV? " � Many people who have the virus do not have symptoms. If symptoms happen, they are usually mild in people with healthy immune systems. People with weak immune systems can have more severe symptoms. � �
The most common symptom of CMV is an illness called "mononucleosis " � or "mono. " � But CMV is not always the cause of mono. A doctor or nurse can tell if CMV is the cause. � �
Common symptoms of mono from CMV include: � �
- Fever
- Tiredness
- Body aches
- Sore throat
- Swollen glands in the neck " � This is more common in children than adults.
Less common CMV symptoms can happen in specific parts of the body. These symptoms are more likely to happen in people with weak immune systems. They can include: � �
- Digestive system problems, such as bloody diarrhea and belly pain
- Lung problems, such as trouble breathing and dry cough
- Problems with the liver, eyes, nervous system, or heart
Will I need tests? " � Yes. There are several tests, but you probably will not need all of them. Tests can include: � �
- Blood tests
- Tests on a sample of fluid from your lungs, throat, or other part of the body
- Tests on a sample of tissue from an affected body part
How is CMV treated? " � People with healthy immune systems who get sick with CMV do not usually need treatment. They usually feel better in a few days or weeks. Medicines like acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol) or ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin) can relieve mild symptoms of CMV. If you take these medicines, be sure to follow the directions on the label. � �
Doctors can treat severe CMV symptoms with medicines, such as ganciclovir (brand name: Cytovene-IV). Ganciclovir is given through a thin tube called an "IV. " � The tube goes into a vein. Ganciclovir is usually given to people with CMV who have weak immune systems. � �
When a person gets an organ transplant, doctors might give a pill, such as valganciclovir (brand name: Valcyte), to help prevent CMV. Some people with severe CMV symptoms get this medicine instead of ganciclovir, even if they have not had an organ transplant. � �
What if I am pregnant? " � Tell your doctor or nurse if you have a fever, sore throat, and body aches. He or she might do a blood test to check for CMV. You might also have the test if you have a condition that weakens your immune system. This is because you can give the CMV infection to your unborn baby. � �
CMV can cause serious health problems in some newborn babies, so it is important to know if you have it. That way, doctors can look for problems in the baby and treat them if they happen. Problems can include: � �
- Hearing loss
- Seizures
- Eye problems
- Problems with learning and growing
Most people don't know if they have CMV or not. But if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, it's a good idea to do things that reduce your chances of getting it, just in case. You can: � �
- Avoid kissing toddlers and children on the mouth.
- Avoid sharing eating or drinking utensils, drinks, or food with toddlers or young children.
- Wash your hands well after changing diapers or wiping a child's nose or face.
- Avoid having sex if your partner is sick with a CMV infection. CMV can be spread by sex.
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. � �
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. � �
Topic 83958 Version 2.0 � �
Release: 22.8 - C22.206 � �
� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �
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