Overview
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus belonging to the herpesvirus family. While most healthy individuals experience mild or no symptoms, CMV can cause serious illness in newborns, pregnant women, and immunocompromised patients. South Korea provides advanced diagnostic testing, antiviral treatment, and preventive care for CMV infections.
What is Cytomegalovirus (CMV)?
CMV infection occurs when the virus enters the body through saliva, urine, blood, sexual contact, or organ transplantation. It can remain dormant in the body and reactivate later. In newborns, congenital CMV may lead to long-term complications, while in immunocompromised patients, CMV can affect multiple organs, including the lungs, liver, and eyes.
Symptoms
In Healthy Adults:
- Mild fever
- Fatigue
- Sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Muscle aches
In Congenital CMV Infection (Newborns):
- Low birth weight
- Jaundice
- Enlarged liver or spleen
- Microcephaly (small head)
- Hearing loss or vision problems
In Immunocompromised Patients:
- Pneumonia
- Gastrointestinal inflammation (colitis, hepatitis)
- Retinitis leading to vision loss
- Encephalitis or neurological complications
Causes
- Infection with Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
- Transmission via bodily fluids: saliva, blood, urine, semen
- Vertical transmission from mother to fetus
- Organ transplantation or blood transfusions from infected donors
Risk Factors
- Pregnancy (primary CMV infection during first trimester is most risky)
- Immunocompromised conditions (HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy, organ transplant)
- Close contact with young children
- Healthcare or daycare workers with exposure to bodily fluids
Complications
- Congenital CMV: Hearing loss, vision impairment, developmental delays
- Immunocompromised patients: Severe organ involvement (lungs, liver, GI tract, CNS)
- Retinitis: May cause blindness if untreated
- Chronic fatigue in some adults
Prevention
- Frequent handwashing, especially after contact with bodily fluids
- Avoid sharing utensils or drinks with young children
- Blood and organ donor screening
- Safe sexual practices
- Prenatal CMV screening for high-risk pregnancies
Treatment Options in Korea
South Korea provides specialized infectious disease management for CMV, including:
1. Diagnosis
- Blood tests for CMV IgM and IgG antibodies
- PCR testing to detect CMV DNA
- Urine or saliva viral cultures
- Imaging and eye exams for organ-specific complications
2. Medication
- Ganciclovir (IV) for severe or congenital cases
- Valganciclovir (oral) for mild or maintenance therapy
- Supportive care to manage symptoms
3. Monitoring
- Regular blood and organ function tests
- Hearing and vision assessments in newborns
- Viral load monitoring in transplant patients
4. Preventive Care
- Antiviral prophylaxis for high-risk transplant recipients
- Prenatal counseling and monitoring
- Education on hygiene and exposure prevention
