Infection: CMV Flashcards
How is cytomegalovirus transmitted?
Via saliva, genital secretions or breast milk
More rarely: blood products, organ transplants and transplacentally
In normal paediatric and adult hosts, what does the virus cause?
Mild or sub clinical infection
In the immunocompromised host and the developing fetus, CMV can cause significant morbidity. True or false?
True
CMV can cause a …like syndrome
Mononucleosis like syndrome, but pharyngitis and lymphadenopathy not as prominent
May have atypical lymphocytes on blood film, but heterophile antibody negative
High temperature Aching muscles Lethargy Nausea Sore throat
Maternal infection may result in…
Congenital CMV infection - may present at birth or manifest at older age
Is CMV the most common congenital infection?
Yes
Describe what happens when the fetus is infected
90% normal birth and develop normally
5% clinical features at birth - hepatosplenomegaly and petichiae, neurodevelopmental disability e.g sensorineural hearing loss, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, cognitive impairment
5% develop problems later in life, mainly sensorineural hearing loss
Are pregnant women screened for CMV?
No
Is the infection in pregnant women usually asymptomatic?
Yes or causes mild, nonspecific symptoms
What can CMV cause in the immunocompromised host?
Retinitis Pneumonitis Bone marrow failure Encephalitis Hepatitis Oesophagitis Enterocolitis
How can CMV disease be treated?
IV ganciclovir
Oral valganciclovir
Foscarnet
Each cause serious side effects
Reserved for babies diagnosed with congenital CMV after they are born and immunocompromised
CMV can only be passed on when it is active. This is when…
Catch virus for first time
The virus has re activated e.g due to weakened immune system
Reinfection with different strain
Pregnant women can pass an active CMV to fetus (congenital CMV)
