A DNA virus, genetically distinct from other herpesviruses, that grows more readily in fibroblasts than in epithelial and lymphoid cells; causes cytomegalic inclusion disease and mononucleosis, and is secreted in renal transplant patients.
A virus that infects 40-90 percent of American heterosexuals, and about 95 percent of homosexuals. CMV normally produces a latent (nonclinical, nonobvious) infection, but when AIDS or other events cause immume system suppression. CMV produces a febrile (fever-causing) illness that is usually mild in nature but can become retinitis (eye infection). CMV can be treated (to halt life- and ightthreatening infection) in immunocompromised patients (i.e., transplant patients and AIDS victims) with Ganciclovir, an antiviral compound developed by Syntex or Foscamet, a compound developed by Astra Pharmaceuticals. In 1996, Stephen E. Epstein found that latent CMV may cause changes in artery wall cells that aid clogging of arteries in adults (esp. following balloon angioplasty).
A genus of the family Herpesviridae, subfamily Betaherpesvirinae, infecting the salivary glands, liver, spleen, lungs, eyes, and other organs, in which they produce characteristically enlarged cells with intranuclear inclusions. Infection with Cytomegalovirus is also seen as an opportunistic infection in AIDS.
This subtle, worldwide microorganism is a member of the herpes virus group. It is large for a virus, contains DNA, and has a complex protein capsid. It forms latent, lifelong infections, and, except for occasional serious infections in infants and malnourished youngsters, seldom produces a disease state. With increased use of immunosuppression therapies for conditions ranging from arthritis to cancer to organ transplants, the incidence of adults with major infections of CMV increases yearly. With herpes, EBV, and candida, CMV is one of a number of endogenous, normally benign bugs that is afflicting what has jokingly been referred to as Homo medicus, that is, overmedicated members of industrialized societies, particularly in the U.S. with its arcane, high-tech medical procedures.
One of a group of viruses that cause cell enlargement of several internal organs.
One of the herpesviruses which can cause serious congenital disorders in a fetus if it infects the pregnant mother.
Any of a group of herpes viruses that normally produce disease only in humans with impaired or immature immune systems, including newborns, those being treated with immunosuppressive drugs (e.g., transplant patients), and those with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
A beta-group herpes virus that may be transmitted through sexual or intimate contact that may cause permanent disability, including hearing loss and mental retardation for infants and blindness and mental disorders for adults.
A member of the herpesvirus group, which also includes herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, varicella-zoster virus (the virus that causes chickenpox), and Epstein-Barr virus (the virus that causes infectious mononucleosis). Cytomegalovirus (CMV) can survive in the body in a dormant state for months to years after a person has been infected. Once infected, a person retains the living virus within his or her body for life.
A commonly occurring virus of the herpes virus group — the name derived from the swollen appearance of infected cells (‘cytomegalo’ = large cell). The infection is usually asymptomatic (or resembles mild influenza), but it can cause an illness similar to infectious mononucleosis. Most people (80 per cent) will have had CMV infection by the time they are adults, but the virus can remain latent in the body and cause recurrent infections. During an acute infection the virus is excreted in saliva, breast milk and urine as well as from the vagina, and this may continue for years. CMV is transmitted naturally by saliva or during sexual contact, but blood transfusions and organ transplantations are also infection routes. Although CMV rarely causes its host any problems, when it is passed from an infected mother to her fetus in utero or to an infant during birth (from vaginal secretions) or via breast milk postnatally, the virus causes a generalised severe infection in the infant. This can involve the central nervous system and liver, causing death of the fetus or neonate. If the infant survives it may be mentally retarded, with motor disabilities, deafness and chronic liver disease. In England and Wales about 400 babies a year are born with CMV-induced disabilities. If an adult is immuno-deficient because of HIV infection/AIDS or as a result of immunosuppressive treatment after an organ transplant, he or she may become seriously ill.
A widely distributed species-specific herpesvirus; in humans, it inhabits many different tissues and causes cytomegalic inclusion disease. A mother with a latent infection may transmit the virus to her fetus either transplacentally or at the time of birth. The virus may also be transmitted by blood transfusion or organ transplantation. Although it is not usually harmful to those with functional immune systems, CMV is the most frequent disseminated opportunistic infection seen in AIDS. It is also a common viral cause of damage to the fetus.
A prevalent human virus that typically induces mild or asymptomatic manifestations in individuals with robust health, yet can result in irreversible harm or even fatality when contracted by a developing fetus, an immunosuppressed transplant recipient, or an individual affected by HIV.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is one of the most prevalent herpes viruses. Infections caused by CMV lead to the enlargement of infected cells, which can be observed under microscopic examination. While CMV infection may manifest as a glandular fever-like illness, it often presents without any noticeable symptoms. However, individuals with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk of experiencing more severe infections. In pregnant women, CMV can pose significant risks to the developing baby, potentially leading to birth defects and brain damage. Recognizing the potential consequences of CMV infection, especially during pregnancy, underscores the importance of preventive measures and appropriate management to safeguard maternal and fetal health.