Cytomegalovirus infection

When it comes to cytomegalovirus infection, many friends don’t know much about it, which is understandable, because based on current medical technology, the analysis of cytomegalovirus is not yet very complete. Moreover, cytomegalovirus infection is a viral infection that is discovered relatively late, especially for newborns, it is easier to isolate cytomegalovirus, and the consequences of infection are more serious.

Although cytomegalovirus infection in newborns does not have particularly obvious symptoms, once it occurs, it may endanger the life of the newborn. Even after treatment, it will cause permanent damage to the newborn and lead to sequelae.

There are still many questions about the transmission of CMV and the risk to the fetus; for example, it is not clear why women with CMV infection can safely conceive. Because the risk to the fetus is difficult to assess, mothers should seek medical attention if they develop primary CMV infection during pregnancy. Many authorities do not advocate routine serological testing for CMV in healthy women before or during pregnancy.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a DNA virus belonging to the genus Herpesvirus, named after the characteristic large cells containing inclusion bodies in the nucleus and cytoplasm that can be seen on tissue sections. Although different strains of CMV can be isolated by analysis of viral DNA using restriction endonuclease techniques, they are largely similar, so only one serotype of CMV has been identified. Like other herpes viruses, CMV can remain latent and reactivate. CMV can be isolated from various sites, including saliva, urine, breast milk, semen, cervical secretions, amniotic fluid, and buffy coat. Early acquisition of CMV infection is clearly associated with multiple factors, such as low socioeconomic status, high rates of breastfeeding, and high contact with other children (eg, in day care centers). CMV can also be transmitted sexually.

Congenital CMV infection, which occurs in 0.2% to 2.2% of all live births worldwide, is generally believed to be transmitted across the placenta by primary or recurrent maternal CMV infection. Primary infection of the mother, especially during the first half of pregnancy, can cause neonatal illness. In some middle and upper socioeconomic groups in the United States, 50% of young women lack CMV antibodies, making them susceptible to primary infection.

This article analyzes the causes of cytomegalovirus infection. It also reminds all pregnant women that even if there is cytomegalovirus infection during pregnancy, there will be no particularly obvious symptoms. Therefore, it is recommended that all expectant mothers must do a good job of disease prevention in daily life and do not let cytomegalovirus infection take advantage of the opportunity to cause harm.