Cytomegalovirus

Definition

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus belonging to the herpesvirus family, known for its ability to remain dormant in the body and reactivate later. It can be transmitted through bodily fluids and has significant implications for immunocompromised individuals, making it a crucial topic in understanding viral disease transmission and the characteristics of major virus families.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. CMV is transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, including saliva, blood, urine, and breast milk.
2. The virus can cause serious complications in immunocompromised individuals, such as organ transplant recipients or those with HIV/AIDS.
3. CMV remains latent in the body after initial infection and can reactivate without causing symptoms, which is a unique feature of herpesviruses.
4. Congenital CMV infection occurs when a pregnant woman transmits the virus to her fetus, leading to potential neurological and developmental issues in the child.
5. Preventive measures include practicing good hygiene and screening high-risk populations, such as pregnant women and organ transplant recipients.

Review Questions

• How does cytomegalovirus demonstrate the characteristics of the herpesvirus family?
  • Cytomegalovirus exemplifies key characteristics of the herpesvirus family by establishing lifelong infections and remaining dormant in the host. Like other herpesviruses, CMV can reactivate after initial infection, often without causing noticeable symptoms. This ability to persist in the body poses challenges for treatment and prevention, particularly in vulnerable populations.
• Discuss how cytomegalovirus transmission patterns impact public health strategies.
  • Understanding cytomegalovirus transmission patterns is essential for developing effective public health strategies. Since CMV is primarily spread through bodily fluids, awareness campaigns about hygiene practices can reduce transmission risks. Moreover, targeted screening for pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals can help prevent congenital infections and complications related to reactivation in vulnerable populations.
• Evaluate the implications of congenital cytomegalovirus infection on long-term health outcomes for affected individuals.
  • Congenital cytomegalovirus infection can have significant long-term health implications for affected individuals. Children born with CMV may experience developmental delays, hearing loss, and other neurological issues that can affect their quality of life. Evaluating these outcomes emphasizes the need for early diagnosis and intervention, highlighting how understanding CMV's transmission dynamics is crucial in preventing severe complications in newborns.

Related terms

Herpesviridae: The family of viruses that includes cytomegalovirus, known for causing lifelong infections and having the ability to remain latent within the host.

Congenital CMV Infection: A condition where a baby is born with CMV infection, which can lead to serious health problems, highlighting the importance of understanding CMV transmission.

Immunocompromised: A state where the immune system is weakened, making individuals more susceptible to infections like CMV, which can reactivate in these patients.