Infection

Question 1

What type of virus is CMV and what is its other name?

Answer 1

CMV is a double-stranded DNA virus, also known as Human Herpesvirus 5.

Question 2

How does CMV establish a lifelong infection?

Answer 2

CMV can establish a lifelong latent infection and reactivate under certain conditions, especially when the immune system is weakened.

Question 3

List three ways CMV can be transmitted.

Answer 3

Direct contact through bodily fluids, vertical transmission from mother to foetus, and through blood transfusion or organ transplantation.

Question 4

What is vertical transmission in the context of CMV?

Answer 4

Vertical transmission refers to the transmission of CMV from mother to foetus during pregnancy.

Question 5

Where does CMV reside during its latent phase?

Answer 5

CMV resides in various cells, including white blood cells and endothelial cells.

Question 6

What can trigger the reactivation of CMV?

Answer 6

Reactivation can occur if the immune system is compromised.

Question 7

What are the common symptoms of CMV in healthy individuals?

Answer 7

Often asymptomatic or mild with flu-like symptoms, and sometimes a mononucleosis-like syndrome with fever, sore throat, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.

Question 8

Name two long-term consequences of congenital CMV.

Answer 8

Hearing loss and neurological impairment.

Question 9

What are the potential complications of CMV in immunocompromised individuals?

Answer 9

CMV retinitis, CMV colitis, CMV pneumonitis, and CMV encephalitis.

Question 10

What does the presence of CMV IgM antibodies indicate?

Answer 10

The presence of CMV IgM antibodies suggests a recent infection.

Question 11

How is CMV DNA detected in the body?

Answer 11

CMV DNA is detected using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in blood, urine, or tissue samples.

Question 12

What characteristic feature is seen in tissue biopsies of CMV-infected cells?

Answer 12

Tissue biopsies can show characteristic “owl’s eye” inclusion bodies in infected cells.

Question 13

What is the typical treatment approach for healthy individuals with CMV?

Answer 13

Typically, no treatment is required as the infection is often mild or self-limiting.

Question 14

Name two antiviral drugs used to treat CMV in immunocompromised patients.

Answer 14

Ganciclovir or Valganciclovir, and Foscarnet or Cidofovir.

Question 15

How can congenital CMV be treated to prevent long-term sequelae?

Answer 15

Treatment with valganciclovir may help prevent long-term sequelae such as hearing loss.

Question 16

What general hygiene practice can help reduce CMV transmission?

Answer 16

Regular handwashing and avoiding contact with bodily fluids.

Question 17

Why is regular monitoring important for immunocompromised patients?

Answer 17

Regular monitoring allows for early detection and treatment of CMV reactivation.

Question 18

Why are CMV-negative donors preferred for high-risk patients?

Answer 18

CMV-negative donors are preferred to reduce the risk of transmission to high-risk patients.

Question 19

What is the usual outcome of CMV infection in healthy individuals?

Answer 19

Usually, a mild, self-limiting infection with complete recovery.

Question 20

How does the prognosis of congenital CMV vary?

Answer 20

Prognosis varies; some infants remain asymptomatic, while others develop long-term disabilities, with hearing loss being the most common.

Question 21

What factors influence the prognosis of CMV in immunocompromised individuals?

Answer 21

Prognosis depends on prompt diagnosis and treatment. Untreated CMV can lead to significant morbidity and mortality.