CMV (Cytomegalovirus) virus: Should we be afraid? Let's find out for sure

You may not have heard of this virus called CMV before. That's not surprising. Because it's a very common virus, but it can be hidden inside the body without showing any major symptoms in a healthy adult. However, if you are a pregnant mother, or if your immune system is weak, it is very important to be aware of this CMV virus. So let's talk about it simply today.

Simply put, what is CMV?

Cytomegalovirus, or CMV for short, is a virus that belongs to the herpes virus family. You may remember that the viruses that cause diseases like chickenpox and herpes also belong to this family. One of the special features of these viruses is that once they enter the body, they can remain dormant inside our body cells for life, meaning they can do no harm.

The CMV virus is similar. Many people develop this infection without even knowing it, and it is controlled by the body's immune system , becoming dormant. Therefore, it does not have much effect on a healthy person.

However, if someone's immune system is weakened, for example, someone with HIV, someone with cancer, or someone who has had an organ transplant, the dormant CMV virus can reactivate , which can cause serious health problems.

There are three main ways in which CMV can be transmitted:

Let's see how this infection occurs.

1. Congenital CMV: This is where we need to focus the most attention. If the mother is infected with CMV during pregnancy, it can be transmitted to the baby in the womb.

2. Primary CMV infection: This is when a person contracts CMV for the first time in their life. It usually does not cause any major symptoms.

3. Reactivation: As mentioned earlier, the virus that was dormant in the body becomes active again when the immune system is weakened.

What are the symptoms of CMV?

This depends on the health status of the infected person.

Common symptoms in a healthy person

If someone with a strong immune system gets CMV, they often don't show any symptoms. Sometimes they just have a fever and body aches that go away in a few days. So they don't even know they have CMV. Common symptoms include:

• Feeling very tired (Fatigue)
• Fever and chills
• Sore throat
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Swelling of the ankle

If the baby is infected with CMV during pregnancy (Congenital CMV)

This is the most serious condition. Not all babies infected with CMV at birth show symptoms. However, about one in five babies may develop symptoms at birth or later.

Symptoms in HIV-infected and immunocompromised people

If CMV becomes active in someone with advanced HIV infection (CD4 count below 100) or someone with a weakened immune system due to a condition such as an organ transplant, it can affect various parts of the body.

• Eyes: Blurred vision, feeling like black spots are floating in front of the eyes. This condition is called Retinitis . If left untreated, it can even lead to blindness.
• Digestive system: stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, difficulty swallowing.
• Lungs: pneumonia.
• Brain: Confusion, memory problems.

How is CMV transmitted?

CMV is spread through direct contact with the body fluids of an infected person. It is not spread by just being close or talking.

• Saliva
• Urine
• Blood
• Breast milk
• Semen and Vaginal fluids

Therefore, those who work with young children, especially those who work in day care , are at increased risk of contracting the virus when changing diapers or wiping up saliva. CMV can also be transmitted through sexual contact, blood transfusions, and organ transplants.

How to diagnose the disease?

If you have symptoms of CMV or you belong to a risk group, your doctor will order the necessary tests.

• Blood and urine tests: These can either directly detect the virus (such as a PCR test) or check the level of antibodies (IgM, IgG) that the body has produced against the virus.
• Biopsy: If necessary, taking a small sample of affected tissue (e.g., the intestine) for examination.
• Eye exam: Check for retinitis.

What are the treatments for CMV?

• Healthy people: If you are in good health and have a strong immune system, a CMV infection usually does not require treatment. The body will control it on its own.
• People at risk: Babies who are infected at birth and those with weakened immune systems need treatment. Antiviral medicines are used for this. For example, medicines like Ganciclovir and Valganciclovir.

These medications can cause some side effects (e.g., kidney damage, low blood cell count), so they are only given under medical supervision.

How can you protect yourself from CMV?

There is currently no vaccine for CMV, so the best thing to do is to avoid infection. To do this, it is very important to follow simple hygiene practices.

• Wash your hands regularly with soap: Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly for at least 15-20 seconds, especially after changing diapers for young children, or after wiping up spit or snot .
• Avoid sharing food and drinks: Avoid eating and drinking from the same plate or glass.
• Kissing children: If you are kissing a young child, kiss them on the cheek or forehead. Avoid kissing them on or around the mouth, as the virus can easily be transmitted through saliva.
• Safe sex practices: Using condoms can reduce the risk of CMV transmission.

Pregnant mothers and women hoping to become pregnant should be especially careful about these hygiene practices.