In the family of herpes viruses there is one special representative capable of affecting almost all systems and organs of man. In addition, he has many ways of transmission, which causes his widespread prevalence. Cytomegalovirus or CMV infection, according to medical research, affects almost 100% of the world's population by the age of 50 years. At the same time completely cure the disease is not yet possible.
Chronic and acute CMV infection
In fact, immediately after infection with cytomegalovirus, it can be said that the disease has passed into a chronic form. Even with the implementation of effective therapeutic measures, pathological cells remain in the body forever, being in a latent or inactive form. At the same time, there is no symptomatology at all or is so non-specific that a person does not suspect the presence of the infection in question.
Symptoms of CMV infection in the normal state of immunity:
- weakness;
- pain in the throat, pershenia;
- coryza;
- increased lymph nodes;
- headache;
- cough;
- aches in the joints, pain in the muscles;
- increased body temperature;
- digestive disorders .
Apparently, the clinical picture is more reminiscent of SARS or ARI, mononucleosis . Usually after 2-5 weeks the immune system suppresses the multiplication of viral cells and CMV passes into the latent phase and, accordingly, the chronic form. Relapses can occur with a deterioration in health status, infection with other types of herpes.
The acute course of the cytomegalovirus is characteristic of people suffering from immunodeficiencies - HIV, hemoblastosis, lymphoproliferative diseases, as well as patients undergoing organ transplant surgery. In such cases, CMV infection is generalized, causing severe lesions of the viscera:
- adrenal glands;
- hepatic parenchyma;
- kidney;
- pancreas;
- spleen;
- intestines;
- mucous eyes;
- joints;
- peripheral nerves;
- brain;
- salivary glands;
- lungs.
Congenital and acquired CMV infection
Infect the described diseases can be sexual, domestic, fecal-oral and vertical way (inside the womb from the mother). In the latter case, cytomegalovirus leads to serious consequences. Up to 12 weeks of fetal growth, infection provokes miscarriage. After this period, it is likely that the baby will be born with a congenital cytomegalic disease, anomalies of development. Other situations of acquired CMV infection occur either in chronic inactive or in generalized form, as described above.
Diagnosis of CMV infection
Self-suspicion of the presence of this type of herpes is almost impossible because of the nonspecificity of its symptoms. The dermatovenereologist can put the exact diagnosis, but only after laboratory researches:
- analysis of samples of biological fluids for the presence of giant cells;
- detection of CMV by PCR diagnostics;
- detection of serum immune immune antigens to cytomegalovirus.
Treatment of CMV infection
At the usual course of the considered disease with symptoms reminiscent of mononucleosis syndrome, acute respiratory viral infection or ARI, and also the carriage of the virus, special therapy is not required.
Treatment in the case of generalization of the process is carried out with the help of antiviral drugs:
- Ganciclovir;
- Foksarnet;
- Valganciclovir;
- Cytotect.
After the infection has passed into a latent form, therapy is discontinued, as these drugs are highly toxic.
Prevention of CMV infection
At the moment, there are no effective measures designed to prevent infection with the virus. Therefore, prevention is carried out only in women during pregnancy by regular blood testing for the presence of giant cells.