Cytomegalovirus (CMV): Symptoms and Causes

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that can cause significant health issues, particularly in immunocompromised individuals such as those with AIDS or those undergoing bone marrow transplants. Understanding the symptoms and causes of CMV is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms of CMV

General Symptoms

CMV infection can present with a variety of symptoms, which may vary depending on the individual’s immune status. Common symptoms include:

• Fever: A frequent symptom in CMV infections, often accompanied by other systemic signs1 2.
• Diarrhea: Particularly noted in patients with CMV colitis, which can be intermittent1.
• Weight Loss: Significant weight loss is commonly reported among CMV-infected individuals1.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms such as gastroenteritis and enteritis are prevalent, especially in immunocompromised patients2 4.

Specific Conditions

• CMV Colitis: Characterized by intermittent diarrhea, fever, and weight loss. It can sometimes present with normal colonic mucosa on endoscopy, necessitating full colonoscopy and multiple biopsies for accurate diagnosis1.
• CMV Pneumonia: A severe condition with high mortality rates, presenting with symptoms like tachypnea, hypoxemia, and interstitial pulmonary infiltrates2.
• CMV Hepatitis: Involves liver inflammation and can be part of a broader CMV syndrome that includes fever and leukopenia4.

Causes of CMV

Transmission and Risk Factors

CMV is primarily transmitted through bodily fluids such as saliva, urine, blood, and breast milk. The risk of CMV infection is higher in certain populations:

• Immunocompromised Individuals: Those with weakened immune systems, such as AIDS patients or bone marrow transplant recipients, are at a higher risk of developing severe CMV-related diseases1 2.
• Transplant Recipients: CMV infection is a common complication in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) and bone marrow transplantation, particularly in CMV-seropositive patients2 3.

Reactivation and Primary Infection

• Reactivation: CMV can remain dormant in the body and reactivate when the immune system is compromised. This is a significant concern in transplant recipients and AIDS patients2 3.
• Primary Infection: CMV-specific intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) has been used to prevent primary CMV infection in seronegative marrow transplant patients with seropositive donors, although the incidence of CMV disease did not significantly differ between treated and untreated groups4.

Conclusion

CMV presents a range of symptoms, from fever and diarrhea to severe conditions like pneumonia and hepatitis, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. The virus is transmitted through bodily fluids and poses a significant risk to those with weakened immune systems, such as AIDS patients and transplant recipients. Understanding these symptoms and causes is essential for the effective management and treatment of CMV infections.

Disclaimer

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