Cytomegalovirus
By: Haley Humphrey, Julia Elias, Abby Goldsberry
What is CMV?
Cytomegalovirus is a type of herpes virus. Everyone comes into contact with but only contract it if you have a weakened immune system. You can also contract it from blood transfusions, organ transplants, respiratory droplets, saliva, urine, sexual contact, and secretions from person to person.
MORE
Symptoms
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle aches
- Rash
- Sore throat
- Jaundice
Examinations & Tests
Health care provider will give a physical exam and checks for symptoms like swollen liver and spleen or a skin rash. Lab tests like CMV DNA serum PCR test checks your blood. A CMV anti body test could be done also. These tests check your liver function, platelets, and white blood cells.
Treatments
It is treated using powerful antiviral drugs. CMV can not be cured. It can only be treated to stop disease. The medicine the disease from worsening.