home Audience 12 Cytomegalovirus - what it is, symptoms and treatment. CMV - what is it? CMV: symptoms, treatment, photos

Cytomegalovirus - what it is, symptoms and treatment. CMV - what is it? CMV: symptoms, treatment, photos

Cytomegaly– infection viral origin, transmitted sexually, transplacentally, domestically, by blood transfusion. Symptomatically occurs in the form of a persistent cold. There is weakness, malaise, headaches and joint pain, runny nose, enlargement and inflammation salivary glands, profuse salivation. It is often asymptomatic. The severity of the disease is determined by general condition immunity. In the generalized form, severe foci of inflammation occur throughout the body. Cytomegaly in pregnant women is dangerous: it can cause spontaneous miscarriage, birth defects development, intrauterine fetal death, congenital cytomegaly.

The duration of mononucleosis-like syndrome ranges from 9 to 60 days. Then, complete recovery usually occurs, although symptoms may persist for several months. residual effects in the form of malaise, weakness, enlarged lymph nodes. IN in rare cases activation of cytomegalovirus causes relapses of infection with fever, sweating, hot flashes and malaise.

Cytomegalovirus infection in immunocompromised individuals

Weakening of the immune system is observed in persons suffering from congenital and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), as well as in patients who have undergone transplantation of internal organs and tissues: heart, lung, kidney, liver, bone marrow. After organ transplantation, patients are forced to constantly take immunosuppressants, leading to severe suppression immune reactions, which causes cytomegalovirus activity in the body.

In patients who have undergone organ transplantation, cytomegalovirus causes damage to donor tissues and organs (hepatitis during liver transplantation, pneumonia during lung transplantation, etc.). After bone marrow transplantation, in 15-20% of patients, cytomegalovirus can lead to the development of pneumonia with high mortality (84-88%). Greatest danger represents a situation where donor material infected with cytomegalovirus is transplanted into an uninfected recipient.

Cytomegalovirus affects almost all HIV-infected people. At the onset of the disease, malaise, joint and muscle pain, fever, and night sweats are noted. In the future, these symptoms may be accompanied by damage by cytomegalovirus to the lungs (pneumonia), liver (hepatitis), brain (encephalitis), retina (retinitis), ulcerative lesions and gastrointestinal bleeding.

In men, cytomegalovirus can affect the testicles and prostate; in women, the cervix, inner layer of the uterus, vagina, and ovaries. Complications cytomegalovirus infection HIV-infected people may experience internal bleeding from affected organs and loss of vision. Multiple lesions organs with cytomegalovirus can lead to their dysfunction and death of the patient.

Diagnosis of cytomegaly

To diagnose cytomegalovirus infection, laboratory determination is carried out in the blood specific antibodies to cytomegalovirus - immunoglobulins M and G. The presence of immunoglobulins M may indicate a primary infection with cytomegalovirus or reactivation of a chronic cytomegalovirus infection. Determination of high IgM titers in pregnant women can threaten infection of the fetus. An increase in IgM is detected in the blood 4-7 weeks after infection with cytomegalovirus and is observed for 16-20 weeks. An increase in immunoglobulin G develops during the period of attenuation of the activity of cytomegalovirus infection. Their presence in the blood indicates the presence of cytomegalovirus in the body, but does not reflect activity infectious process.

To determine cytomegalovirus DNA in blood cells and mucous membranes (in scraping materials from the urethra and cervical canal, in sputum, saliva, etc.) the PCR diagnostic method (polymerase chain reaction) is used. Particularly informative is quantitative PCR, which gives an idea of the activity of cytomegalovirus and the infectious process it causes. The diagnosis of cytomegalovirus infection is based on the isolation of cytomegalovirus in clinical material or a fourfold increase in antibody titer.

Depending on which organ is affected by cytomegalovirus infection, the patient needs to consult a gynecologist, andrologist, gastroenterologist or other specialists. Additionally, according to indications, ultrasound of the abdominal organs, colposcopy, gastroscopy, MRI of the brain and other examinations are performed.

Treatment of cytomegalovirus infection

Uncomplicated forms of mononuclease-like syndrome do not require specific therapy. Typically, measures identical to the treatment of a common cold are carried out. To relieve symptoms of intoxication caused by cytomegalovirus, it is recommended to drink enough fluids.

Treatment of cytomegalovirus infection in individuals at risk is carried out with the antiviral drug ganciclovir. In cases of severe cytomegaly, ganciclovir is administered intravenously, since tablet forms of the drug have only a preventive effect against cytomegalovirus. Since ganciclovir has pronounced side effects (causes inhibition of hematopoiesis - anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, skin reactions, gastrointestinal disorders, fever and chills, etc.), its use is limited in pregnant women, children and people suffering from renal failure (only for health reasons); it is not used in patients without impaired immunity.

For the treatment of cytomegalovirus in HIV-infected people, the most effective drug is foscarnet, which also has a number of side effects. Foscarnet can cause disturbances in electrolyte metabolism (decreased plasma magnesium and potassium), genital ulceration, urination problems, nausea, and kidney damage. Data adverse reactions require careful use and timely adjustment of the drug dose.

Prevention

The issue of preventing cytomegalovirus infection is especially acute for people at risk. The most susceptible to infection with cytomegalovirus and the development of the disease are HIV-infected people (especially AIDS patients), patients after organ transplantation and people with immunodeficiency of other origins.

Nonspecific methods of prevention (for example, personal hygiene) are ineffective against cytomegalovirus, since infection with it is possible even by airborne droplets. Specific prevention cytomegalovirus infection is carried out with ganciclovir, acyclovir, foscarnet among patients at risk. Also, to exclude the possibility of cytomegalovirus infection of recipients during organ and tissue transplantation, careful selection of donors and monitoring of donor material for the presence of cytomegalovirus infection is necessary.

Cytomegalovirus is especially dangerous during pregnancy, as it can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or cause severe congenital deformities in the child. Therefore, cytomegalovirus, along with herpes, toxoplasmosis and rubella, is one of those infections for which women should be screened prophylactically, even at the stage of pregnancy planning.

Cytomegalovirus is a virus widespread throughout the world among adults and children, belonging to the group of herpes viruses. Since this virus was discovered relatively recently, in 1956, it is considered not yet sufficiently studied, and is still the subject of active debate in the scientific world.

Cytomegalovirus is quite common; antibodies to this virus are found in 10-15% of adolescents and young adults. In people aged 35 years or more, it is found in 50% of cases. Cytomegalovirus is found in biological tissues - semen, saliva, urine, tears. When the virus enters the body, it does not disappear, but continues to live with its host.

What it is?

Cytomegalovirus (another name is CMV infection) is a disease infectious nature, which belongs to the herpesvirus family. This virus affects humans both in utero and in other ways. Thus, cytomegalovirus can be transmitted sexually or through airborne alimentary routes.

How is the virus transmitted?

The transmission routes for cytomegalovirus are varied, since the virus can be found in blood, saliva, milk, urine, feces, seminal fluid, and cervical secretions. Possible airborne transmission, transmission through blood transfusion, sexual intercourse, and possible transplacental intrauterine infection. An important place is occupied by infection during childbirth and when breastfeeding a sick mother.

There are often cases when the carrier of the virus does not even suspect it, especially in situations where symptoms hardly appear. Therefore, you should not consider every carrier of cytomegalovirus to be sick, since existing in the body, it may never manifest itself once in its entire life.

However, hypothermia and a subsequent decrease in immunity become factors that provoke cytomegalovirus. Symptoms of the disease also appear due to stress.

Cytomegalovirus igg antibodies detected - what does this mean?

IgM are antibodies that the immune system begins to produce 4-7 weeks after a person is first infected with cytomegalovirus. Antibodies of this type are also produced every time the cytomegalovirus remaining in the human body after a previous infection begins to actively multiply again.

Accordingly, if you have been found to have a positive (increased) titer of IgM antibodies against cytomegalovirus, this means:

That you have been infected with cytomegalovirus recently (not earlier than within the last year);
That you were infected with cytomegalovirus for a long time, but recently this infection began to multiply again in your body.

A positive titer of IgM antibodies can persist in a person's blood for at least 4-12 months after infection. Over time, IgM antibodies disappear from the blood of a person infected with cytomegalovirus.

Development of the disease

The incubation period is 20-60 days, acute course 2-6 weeks after incubation period. Staying in a latent state in the body both after infection and during periods of attenuation - for an unlimited time.

Even after completing a course of treatment, the virus lives in the body for life, maintaining the risk of relapse, so doctors cannot guarantee the safety of pregnancy and full gestation even if a stable and long-term remission occurs.

Symptoms of cytomegalovirus

Many people who carry cytomegalovirus do not show any symptoms. Signs of cytomegalovirus may appear as a result of disruptions in work immune system.

Sometimes in people with normal immunity this virus causes the so-called mononucleosis-like syndrome. It occurs 20-60 days after infection and lasts 2-6 weeks. It manifests itself as high fever, chills, fatigue, malaise and headache. Subsequently, under the influence of the virus, a restructuring of the body’s immune system occurs, preparing to repel the attack. However, in case of lack of strength, the acute phase turns into a more calm form, when vascular-vegetative disorders often manifest themselves, and damage to internal organs also occurs.

In this case, three manifestations of the disease are possible:

Generalized form- CMV damage to internal organs (inflammation of the liver tissue, adrenal glands, kidneys, spleen, pancreas). These organ lesions can cause, which further worsens the condition and has high blood pressure on the immune system. In this case, treatment with antibiotics turns out to be less effective than with the usual course of bronchitis and/or pneumonia. At the same time, damage to the intestinal walls and blood vessels can be observed in the peripheral blood. eyeball, brain and nervous system. Externally it appears, in addition to enlarged salivary glands, a skin rash.
- in this case it is weakness, general malaise, headaches, runny nose, enlargement and inflammation of the salivary glands, fatigue, a little elevated temperature bodies, whitish deposits on the tongue and gums; Sometimes it is possible to have inflamed tonsils.
Organ damage genitourinary system - manifests itself in the form of periodic and nonspecific inflammation. At the same time, as in the case of bronchitis and pneumonia, inflammation is difficult to treat with traditional methods. local disease antibiotics.

Particular attention should be paid to CMV in the fetus (intrauterine cytomegalovirus infection), in the newborn and children early age. An important factor is the gestational period of infection, as well as the fact whether the pregnant woman became infected for the first time or whether the infection was reactivated - in the second case, the likelihood of infection of the fetus and development severe complications significantly lower.

Also, if a pregnant woman is infected, fetal pathology is possible when the fetus becomes infected with CMV entering the blood from outside, which leads to miscarriage (one of the most common reasons). It is also possible to activate the latent form of the virus, which infects the fetus through the mother’s blood. Infection leads either to the death of the child in the womb/after birth, or to damage to the nervous system and brain, which manifests itself in various psychological and physical diseases.

Cytomegalovirus infection during pregnancy

When a woman becomes infected during pregnancy, in most cases she develops acute form diseases. Possible damage to the lungs, liver, and brain.

The patient notes complaints about:

fatigue, headache, general weakness;
enlargement and pain when touching the salivary glands;
mucous discharge from the nose;
whitish discharge from the genital tract;
abdominal pain (caused by increased tone uterus).

If the fetus is infected during pregnancy (but not during childbirth), congenital cytomegalovirus infection may develop in the child. The latter leads to serious illnesses and lesions of the central nervous system (lag in mental development, hearing loss). In 20-30% of cases the child dies. Congenital cytomegalovirus infection is observed almost exclusively in children whose mothers become infected with cytomegalovirus for the first time during pregnancy.

Treatment of cytomegalovirus during pregnancy includes antiviral therapy based on intravenous injection acyclovir; the use of drugs to correct immunity (cytotect, intravenous immunoglobulin), as well as carrying out control tests after completing a course of therapy.

Cytomegalovirus in children

Congenital cytomegalovirus infection is usually diagnosed in a child in the first month and has the following possible manifestations:

cramp, trembling of limbs;
drowsiness;
visual impairment;
problems with mental development.

Manifestation is also possible in adulthood, when the child is 3-5 years old, and usually looks like an acute respiratory infection (fever, sore throat, runny nose).

Diagnostics

Cytomegalovirus is diagnosed using the following methods:

detection of the presence of the virus in biological fluids of the body;
PCR (polymerase chain reaction);
cell culture seeding;
detection of specific antibodies in blood serum.

Viruses do not detect themselves when they enter the body, which is caused by the stability of the immune system. As soon as a person gets sick or feels the approach of seasonal vitamin deficiency, hidden threats immediately undermine their once impeccable health and cause complications. Cytomegalovirus, a relative of herpes, is especially dangerous.

Cytomegalovirus virus

This is a viable infection that equally penetrates into children and adults, long time matures asymptomatically. Without harmful influence pathogenic factors can prevail for many years in the stage of rest, remission. Cytomegalovirus infection joins the herpesvirus family; it can be diagnosed in a patient’s biofluid laboratory.

Even in the absence of symptoms, the virus carrier is dangerous to others, as it can infect an incurable disease. If you are wondering what cytomegalovirus is, more detailed information You can always get it from your local GP. When a code with ICD-10 symbols is indicated in the medical record, its interpretation is as follows: cytomegalovirus infection in the patient.

How is cytomegalovirus transmitted?

A person became the carrier of a pathogenic infection. Since the pest is contained in high concentrations in biological fluids, such samples become the main carrier of pathogenic flora. The answer to the question of how people become infected with cytomegalovirus is obvious - through a kiss, during sexual contact, when sneezing and talking with an interlocutor. Also, one should not exclude the risk of infection during blood transfusion, the transfer of infection to the fetus from the biological mother.

Symptoms

There are known diagnoses that cannot be overcome modern medicine. Along with the herpes virus and HIV, it is impossible to eradicate cytomegalovirus forever - what it is is already clear. A microscopic infection enters the blood and causes the body’s immune response in the form of protein antibodies – lgg and lgm. As a result, the immune response is suppressed and harmful flora develops. If a cytomegalovirus infection rapidly develops in the systemic bloodstream, the symptoms in the body are as follows:

fever;
muscle weakness;
a sharp decline in performance;
inflammation and pain of the lymph nodes;
problems with hearing, vision, coordination of movement (in the severe stage).

It is important to note that in the latent form of the disease, alarming symptoms do not bother you, and the patient is not even aware of the spread of a deadly infection in the body. All you have to do is get sick, and we're talking about about chronic or inflammatory diseases not related to the immune system; how it becomes obvious what CMV is, how the disease behaves in the body, what it threatens.

Among women

It is already known what infection causes the disease, but it is important to add that during pregnancy, representatives of the fairer sex, against the background of non-productive immunity, are at risk. Otherwise, the signs of cytomegalovirus in women are similar to the symptoms of the disease in male body. You can note the presence of common symptoms of influenza. This:

body temperature 37 degrees;
body aches;
joint pain;
muscle weakness.

These are typical for acute stage symptoms of the disease that subsequently disappear. Cytomegalovirus becomes chronic, prone to relapses, mainly when the immune system is weakened. This is especially true for an infected young lady. dangerous disease, since the planned pregnancy will not occur or will end in miscarriage.

During pregnancy

During intrauterine development, the body of the expectant mother is weakened, which is favorable conditions for infection and subsequent spread of pathogenic infection. Cytomegalovirus in pregnant women poses a serious threat to mother and child, and the clinical outcome can be the most unpredictable. Complications for the health of a woman in an “interesting position” may be as follows:

The consequences for the child, starting in the prenatal period, are as follows:

congenital deafness;
heart disease;
hydrocephalus;
eye and dental diseases;
mental development disorder.

Cytomegalovirus in newborns

If the mother becomes infected with an incurable infection while pregnant, the baby is born with cytomegalovirus. When a pregnant woman was already a carrier of the virus at the time of conception, the baby can be born healthy. If congenital cytomegalovirus is detected, the microbe turns a new person into a disabled person from the first days of life. Doctors strongly recommend approaching pregnancy planning with special responsibility.

In men

The disease can also appear in the male body, while for a long time it is disguised as the classic symptoms of ARVI, affecting physical activity, causes loss of strength. Genital cytomegalovirus is an asymptomatic disease, but when the immune system is weakened, the signs of the disease have the following classification in the body:

Main symptoms. This is a general intoxication of the body with acute malaise and impairment low-grade fever bodies.
Minor symptoms. Pathologies of the genitourinary area, when the pathological process spreads to the urethra.
Clinical symptoms. Skin rash, swollen lymph nodes, nasal congestion, systematic migraine attacks, general weakness body.

Cytomegalovirus - diagnosis

The patient may have heard a lot about what a cytomegalovirus infection is, but it is difficult for him to imagine how to accurately diagnose this disease. They will start working already medical workers, which recommend a comprehensive examination based on studying the concentration and composition of biological fluids of the body. Required following procedures:

serological examination to determine the avidity of the pathogenic infection;
cytological analysis tissue to determine the extent of damage cellular structures;
ELISA for simple and quick determination of antibodies in the blood;
light microscopy to determine the extent of tissue and cell damage;
DNA diagnostics for cellular modifications;
PCR to find out where the pathogenic infection came from;
a general urinalysis to determine additional pathological processes body.

Blood test

Laboratory studies help to study not only the concentration of infection in biological fluid, but also the stage of its development. For example, in a serological study, cytomegalovirus indicators determine the activity of a characteristic disease. Alternatively, a jump in immunoglobulin M characterizes the relapse stage, and an excess of the norm in immunoglobulin G is more suitable for the period of remission of this disease.

How to treat cytomegalovirus

No matter what the doctors did, what therapeutic measures they did not carry out, they were unable to achieve a complete recovery of the clinical patient. Treatment of cytomegalovirus infection is aimed at strengthening the immune system, preventive actions and reducing the number of relapses of the underlying disease. Doctors know what CMV is, but they don’t even know how to cure it. The approach to the problem is comprehensive and involves taking the following medications:

Antiviral drugs: Panavir, Ganciclovir, Forscanet.
Interferons: Viferon, Cycloferon, Leukinferon.
Immunoglobulins: Megalotect, Cytotect.
Symptomatic treatment: according to medical indications.

In children

If a child is sick, the choice intensive care depends on his age category. Children under 6 years old can only eliminate cold symptoms conservative methods, and older children should take it already antiviral drugs to reduce activity dangerous infection. In the latter case, it is important to recall that such medications have a toxic effect and have side effects. Before curing cytomegalovirus by medication, you need to consult with your local pediatrician.

Is cytomegalovirus dangerous?

A carrier of a dangerous infection can infect people with whom he comes into contact to varying degrees. He does not need treatment if his immunity is strong. However, over time, the immune response noticeably weakens, and cytomegalovirus gradually destroys internal organs. Suffering nervous system. When asked by a patient whether cytomegalovirus is dangerous, doctors always answer in the affirmative, and it does not matter whether the victim is an adult or a child.

Prevention

Compliance with the rules of personal hygiene has great importance to prevent the activity of a pathogenic infection in the body.
Necessary timely treatment viral and colds, preventive measures.
When cytomegalovirus manifests itself, it is necessary to immediately be examined, find out and eliminate the cause of the pathology, and determine a treatment regimen.
If the smear is positive, the patient will have to undergo long-term treatment.
The best prevention cytomegalovirus – timely strengthening of the immune system using medicinal and natural methods.

Video

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Mode

(Control Mecanical Ventilation) - controlled artificial ventilation.

The essence of this mode is that while inhaling

breathing gas pressure is created in the internal circuit of the apparatus,

superior pressure environment, and under the influence

The pressure difference causes the gas to be injected into the patient's lungs. Upon reaching

Below the set value of the tidal volume of gas in the device circuit, a switch occurs from the inhalation to exhalation phase, at which the pressure in the device circuit, and therefore in the patient’s lungs, freely drops to atmospheric level.

In this mode, the specified values are:

tidal volume;

breathing rate;

ratio of inhalation and exhalation time.

The specified values are set on the device by the doctor, depending

depending on the patient's condition.

The mode is used when the patient is unable

maintain your own breathing.

Mode CMV+S (Control Mecanical Ventilation +Sign) - controlled artificial ventilation lungs with periodic inflation of the lungs.

CMV+S is a sub-mode of the classic mode

CMV and differs from it in that the device periodically produces double the inhalation volume to inflate the lungs.

SIMV (Synchronizet Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation) mode - synchronized intermittent forced ventilation.

The essence of this mode is that when restoring

the patient can breathe spontaneously on his own

breathe through the breathing circuit of the device, however, to maintain

periodically reducing the guaranteed ventilation volume of the device

is turned on to carry out one "forced" cycle after

several cycles of spontaneous breathing. Specified synchro cycles

aligned in time with the patient’s breaths using the trigger block of the device.

The frequency of such inclusions is determined by the operator by setting the tidal volume, inhalation and exhalation times.

This mode allows you to train your breathing muscles

patient.

A+CMV mode

(Assistant Control Mecanical Ventilation) - (trigger mode) auxiliary controlled artificial ventilation.

This mode is carried out using a trigger device

a device designed to switch the distribution device of the device to inhalation due to the respiratory effort of the patient

enta. When carrying out the trigger method of artificial ventilation, you should remember to regulate one more parameter - the waiting time for a breathing attempt.

Adjustment of this value is included in the trigger device for

in order to ensure the transition to a controlled "forced"

ventilation mode after a certain period of time after

after the patient stopped breathing spontaneously. This measure, which is extremely important for patients in a severe unconscious state, is of no importance for patients with a more or less satisfactory condition and preserved consciousness. In such patients during sessions.

artificial ventilation, the waiting time for the attempt should

be set to a sufficiently large value.

PEEP (Positive and Expiratory Pressure) mode - ventilation with positive pressure at the end of expiration.

This is a method of ventilation with active inhalation and passive exhalation, in which the patient’s lungs during exhalation are not emptied to a functional residual capacity, but are under a certain residual positive pressure, which is set by the operator.

A number of studies have shown that artificial ventilation has reduced

In this method, by increasing the functional residual capacity of the lungs, it reduces the effect of premature closure of the airways, maintains the patency of the airways, and prevents the confluence of the alveoli. However, PEEP is undesirable in chronic obstruction. respiratory tract, in which weakened

CMV - what is it?

The study of the virus began only in the mid-20th century. It was then that scientists faced the question: “CMV - what is it?” Having assessed the volume of disorders that the virus provokes in the body, doctors gave it a loud name. It literally translates as “a big poison that destroys the cell.”

And yet, CMV - what is it? The pathology is classified as herpes. It belongs to type 5 infection. This virus is very common. It is the leader in terms of the number of infected people. Statistics show that CMV is found in 4 out of 5 adults and in almost every second child.

The virus is completely safe for healthy person. But it poses a mortal threat to a patient with weak immunity. That is why scientists today continue to actively research it: CMV - what it is, how to get rid of it. But, unfortunately, they are not ready to give answers to these questions. After all, there is still no detailed mechanics of the course of the disease. And not a single medicine has been found that provides a complete cure.

The optimal environment for the life of the virus is body fluids. Often this is saliva. But at the same time, it is able to penetrate into any organ or tissue.

His destructive effect may affect:

People at risk include:

Pregnant women.
Individuals prone to developing any type of herpes.
Patients suffering from immunodeficiency.

Routes of transmission of CMV

The source of infection is a sick person. At the same time, the virus is contained in a variety of secrets:

This allows us to understand how a person becomes infected with the virus. Infection can occur in the following ways:

airborne;
when kissing;
contact-sexual;
during a blood transfusion;
intrauterine infection;
during breastfeeding;
during the baby's passage through the birth canal.

Simply communicating with a person carrying the virus rarely leads to infection. Airborne path is not the most common method of infection. Most often, the virus enters the body of a healthy person during a kiss or intimate relationship.

Once infected, the patient remains a carrier of the virus forever. At the same time, antibodies to it are formed in his body.

Categories of infected people

The course of the pathology is quite varied and depends mainly on the immune system. Therefore, when considering CMV (what it is, symptoms of the disease), it is necessary to take this factor into account.

Doctors distinguish the following categories of patients:

People with normal immunity.
Infants diagnosed with congenital cytomegaly.
Individuals suffering from impaired functioning of the immune system.

Each group differs in its symptoms and characteristics of the course of the disease.

The course of the disease in a healthy person

Often the pathology resembles normal colds. But cytomegaly, unlike ARVI, lasts a longer period - 4-6 weeks.

Main symptoms:

The photo posted in this article clearly characterizes CMV - what it is.

Some people may experience symptoms similar to mononucleosis. However, for patients with normal immunity, this phenomenon is rare. With mononucleosis-like syndrome, the following symptoms are observed:

hyperthermia;
malaise;
fatigue;
chills;
headache.

Such manifestations occur after the moment of infection for 20-60 days. The course of the pathology usually lasts about 2-6 weeks. Often the disease ends in complete recovery. The human body produces special antibodies.

Sometimes the infection can manifest itself as inflammation of the genitourinary system. But such features of the course of the disease for a healthy person are rare. In men it may be affected urethra. Sometimes the infection involves the testicular tissue.

It is important to understand, if CMV is detected, what it is like in women. The infection can lead to erosion of the cervix and provoke inflammation of the ovaries and vagina. With this course of the disease, there is a very high risk of infecting the baby in utero or during childbirth.

Symptoms of people with reduced immunity

Individuals whose HIV status is positive.
Patients after chemotherapy.
Persons taking immunosuppressants.
Patients after organ transplantation or who have undergone major operations.
People on hemodialysis.

What does CMV mean for this population? This is usually an acute course of the disease and the presence serious complications. At reduced immunity The virus affects and destroys the tissues of the spleen, liver, adrenal glands, and kidneys. The stomach and pancreas suffer.

External manifestations of the disease often resemble the symptoms of pneumonia or ulcers. In such patients, enlarged lymph nodes are observed. The platelet content in the body sharply decreases.

The course of the disease is often accompanied by the following complications:

Sometimes the infection spreads throughout the body. Typical symptoms of this form are:

eye lesions, digestive system, lungs;
destruction of tissues of the liver, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, adrenal glands;
paralysis;
inflammation of the brain (often leading to death).

Congenital cytomegaly

Sometimes the mother of a newborn baby hears a “sentence” - CMV. What is it like in a child? Unfortunately, we are talking about a congenital pathology. Most often, a baby becomes infected from a mother who carries CMV to active form during pregnancy.

It is difficult to predict how pathology will affect the baby. This largely depends on the stage of pregnancy at which the woman suffered the infection. Sometimes babies, protected by maternal antibodies, easily tolerate it. But very often the symptoms characterizing congenital CMV indicate that the child has a severe pathology.

The main signs of the disease are:

prematurity, little weight, developmental delay in the womb;
respiratory system disorders;
hepatitis, enlarged spleen, liver;
symptoms of cardiovascular failure;
hemorrhagic rash;
prolonged, pronounced jaundice;
microcephaly, chorioretinitis, neurological disorders;
lymphadenopathy;
thrombocytopenia, anemia;
interstitial nephritis.

Such manifestations make themselves felt in the first 3-5 weeks from birth. Severe infection often leads to death. Sometimes a child may remain disabled.

CMV and pregnancy

How long the woman has been ill plays a big role. It is known that infection suffered before 12 weeks very often leads to miscarriage. Such babies simply do not survive.

If a woman becomes infected with later, then this is usually not a big deal. After all, the baby has already formed a circle of blood circulation.

It is best if the woman had the infection before conception. In this case, the baby will be reliably protected by maternal antibodies.

Modern doctors understand well when it comes to CMV, what it is like during pregnancy. Therefore, testing for the virus is included in the standard set of tests. This eliminates the risk of pathology during a planned pregnancy.

Diagnosis of the virus

This is a very labor-intensive process. After all, the symptoms are very often vague. A patient who has clinical picture, reminiscent this infection, the doctor will recommend a CMV test. What is this? This is a laboratory determination of the presence of a virus in the body.

As a rule, one analysis is not enough. Therefore, several laboratory research. They allow you to determine not only the presence of the virus, but also the stage of infection.

So, let's consider, if doctors suspect CMV, what kind of test is it to diagnose the pathology?

The following studies are used to confirm the disease:

PCR method. This is an examination of various human secretions: saliva, blood, breast milk, vaginal secretion. This method allows you to confirm the presence of a pathogen in the blood. However, it is impossible to determine the activity of the virus using this study.
ELISA method. The survey allows you to get more full description processes occurring in the body. For this method You will need to take blood from a vein from the patient. This analysis determines the presence IgG antibodies or IgM. In a person who has had CMV for a long time, the first type will be detected in the blood. Such antibodies protect the body from re-infection. The presence of IgM in the blood indicates the active phase of the disease.

Treatment of the disease

All of the above allows you to perfectly imagine, if CMV is found in the body, what it is.

Treatment depends entirely on your health condition. Thus, doctors believe:

Persons who have strong immunity, no treatment is needed.
For people who have poor health, it is vitally important to fight pathology.

It is impossible to completely recover from CMV. A person who has once had an infection remains a carrier of the virus forever.

It is strictly prohibited to independently select medications to combat pathology. Each patient has a very individual course of the disease. Complex necessary medications is selected based on the patient’s tests.

Drug therapy combines two directions:

Maximum destruction of the virus.
Supporting the immune system and stimulating its protective functions.

The following antiviral drugs are used to combat CMV:

"Panavir";
"Ganciclovir";
"Foxarnet";
"Valganciclovir."

These drugs are toxic. In addition, they have contraindications and often lead to unpleasant side effects. Self-medication with the above-mentioned drugs is strictly prohibited. The wrong choice of medicine can lead to completely the opposite effect. The immune system cannot cope with such additional load. As a result, she will be even more vulnerable to the virus.

For some patients, the doctor may prescribe immunoglobulins. These are medicines that are made from human blood. They contain antibodies that can resist infection. These drugs are administered intravenously. The manipulation takes place under the mandatory supervision of a medical professional. Moreover, each injection is carried out according to the schedule drawn up by the doctor.

This method is quite effective today. However, the full picture of the effects of these medications on the body has not yet been studied. Therefore, before injections are prescribed, the patient is recommended to undergo a full examination.

Treatment with immunoglobulin is contraindicated in the following conditions:

presence of a tendency to allergic reactions;
diabetes;
pregnancy, breastfeeding;
kidney diseases.

In addition, these drugs can provoke unwanted reactions:

the occurrence of shortness of breath;
urinary problems;
symptoms of colds and viral pathologies;
sudden weight gain;
swelling;
drowsiness;
nausea, vomiting;
pain in the eyes in bright light.

If such symptoms are present, the doctor will immediately adjust the treatment.

Infants to combat congenital pathology specific and nonspecific immunoglobulins are prescribed:

"Cytotect";
"Intraglobin";
"Humaglobin";
"Octagam";
"Pentaglobin".

Antiviral medications such as Acyclovir, Ganciclovir, and Foscarnet are used extremely rarely. Because such products are very toxic for the baby.

Immunomodulators are included in therapy:

"Cycloferon";
"Neovir".

Their action is aimed at activating the newborn’s own immunity.

Plays a big role symptomatic treatment. In other words, in case of hyperthermia, the baby is prescribed antipyretics. If the baby experiences seizures, then anticonvulsant medications are included in the treatment.

Disease prevention

Doctors consider protected sex to be the most important measure to avoid CMV infection if the partner is not a regular one.

Therefore, it is necessary to direct all your efforts to improve your health. In this case, prevention consists of methods known since childhood:

hardening of the body;
proper nutrition enriched with vitamins;
playing sports;
maintaining hygiene.

Conclusion

CMV is a large and clumsy virus - a representative of herpes. It specifically affects the cell, filling it with cytoplasmic and intranuclear inclusions. There are no treatment regimens to get rid of it. Therapy is purely individual and depends on the human body. Or rather, from his immune system. Therefore, most important recommendation is correct image life and health promotion.