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What Is the Definition of CMV?

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus; according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 50 to 80 percent of adults become infected with the virus by age 40. Most people infected with CMV show no symptoms, but the virus can be harmful to fetuses and people with weakened immune systems.

  1. Word Origin

    • "Cyto" stems from the Greek word "kytos," which means "receptacle." Since the 1850s, "cyto" has been used to mean "cell" in scientific terms. "Megalo" originates from the Greek word "megas," which means "great" or "large." "Virus" is a Latin word that originally referred to poison but has been used to describe infectious diseases since the early 1700s.

    Characteristics

    • CMV is a herpesvirus in the same family as chicken pox and mononucleosis. The cytomegalovirus enlarges the cells that it infects. Once a person is infected with CMV, the virus remains in his body for the rest of his life. CMV is transmitted through an infected person's bodily fluids, including blood, saliva, urine and breast milk.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of CMV include weakness, sore throat, loss of appetite and muscle aches. According to the Mayo Clinic, these symptoms are generally mild and do not last long, and many people with healthy immune systems are unaware that they have been infected with CMV. People with weakened immune systems, such as those who have HIV or are undergoing chemotherapy, may suffer from more serious conditions, including visual impairment, pneumonia, bleeding ulcers, hepatitis and encephalitis.

    Dangers

    • A pregnant woman who becomes infected with CMV can pass it on to her unborn child. According to the Mayo Clinic, about 1 percent of infants who were infected during pregnancy are born with serious illnesses. According to the CDC, infants with congenital CMV may exhibit temporary symptoms such as small birth size and jaundice. Permanent symptoms can include hearing and vision loss and mental disability.

    Diagnosis and Treatment

    • A doctor can test for CMV in a blood or tissue sample. Most people with normal immune systems will recover from the infection without any treatment.

      As of March 2010, there is no vaccine or cure for CMV. Infants with congenital CMV and adults with weakened immune systems may be treated with antiviral drugs, which can slow the spread of the virus.

    Prevention

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, a few precautions can help to prevent the transmission of CMV. Frequently washing your hands, refraining from sharing drinking glasses, avoiding contact with the tears or saliva of young children and practicing safe sex will reduce your chances of contracting the virus.

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