Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the common virus that causes the infection in humans. The patient might not show any symptoms if he/she has any higher level of immune responses.
Cytomegalovirus is a cytolytic virus. The histological hallmark of the CMV infection is an enlarged call with viral inclusion bodies. The microscopic description to these cells is most commonly called as a owl’s eye appearance. This characteristic feature is minimal or absent in the infected persons.when the cytomegalovirus infects the host it can be detected with polymerase chain reactions (PCR) in all the different call lineages and organ systems in the body. With initial infection the cytomegalovirus infects the epithelial cells of the salivary gland which results in persistent infection and viral shedding. Infection in the genitourinary tract causes inconsequent viruria. Inspite of viral replication that takes place in the kidney, the damage to the kidney is very minimal.
Immunology:
Primary CMV infection is defined as an infection in an individual who shows previousy CMV seronegative. The initial infection with the IgM antibodies may be found as early as 4-7 weeks after the initial infection and it can persists as long as 16-20 weeks. The presence of CMV DNA in the blood and viruria is present in some women. Cell mediated immunity is found to be considered as the most important factor in controlling the disease. Patient who are deprived of cell mediated immunity are at greater risk of contracting the infection. CMV specific CD 4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes plays a vital role in primary infection or reactivation of the viruses.
Casual contact doesn't transmit CMV.
Ways the virus can be transmitted include:
These are the common symptoms with the babies:
The symptoms in people with the weakened immunity:
If your immune system is weakened, you might experience serious problems that affect your:
The symptoms in the healthy adults:
Most people who are infected with CMV who are otherwise healthy experience few if any symptoms. When first infected, some adults may have symptoms similar to infectious mononucleosis, including:
Histopathology:
The characteristic feature of CMV is inclusion of the viral bodies which reveals the owl eye appearances.
Chest Xray:
The chest x ray predicts any abnormal area in the lungs
Computed tomography:
It reveals the slice of the lung. It uses both the combination of x ray and computer aided device.
It helps to analyse the size, shape and position of any lung tumour and also it helps in the detection of enlarged lymph nodes.
It also looks for any masses in the adrenal gland, liver, brain and other organs.
CT guided needle Biopsy:
CT scan might be used to guide a biopsy needle into this area to get the tissue for lung and further investigations are made. Ground glass opacities is seen in Computed Tomography.
MRI scan:
It uses the soft tissue image of the organ. It uses the both the magnet and radiowaves and aids in the view of soft tissues of the internal organs.
Immunosorbent assay- detect the virus specific IgM or IgG antibodies.
Greater than fourfold rise in titer between acute and convalescent sera and cerebo spinal fluid containing virus specific IgG or IgM or both are the diagnostic features.
Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)- is valuable in the early confirmation of arbovirus infections, particularly chikungunya. However, the value of RT-PCR is limited to diagnosis in the viraemic phase, with later infection requiring serology.
Direct immunofluorescence assay – it shows a high sensitivity and specificity and is used in the latter stages. However, the use of these tests in the tropics may be limited by financial constraints.
A normal erythrocyte sedimentation rate- it is defined as the rate of red blood cell which are termed as erythrocytes and their deposition or sedimentation rate. The normal erythrocyte sedimentation rate is 0-22mm/hr.
Echocardiogram:
It is used to find the movements of the heart.
Electrocardiogram:
It is used to find the electrical impulses of the heart.
Lumbar puncture or spinal tap:
The fluid is drawn from the spinal cord and further investigations are made.
Prognosis:
The prognosis is good with the CMV patients. The patient might show some sort of tiredness and fatigue for weeks to months.
A recombinant CMV vaccines has been developed which shown to reduce the congenital CMV.
Regular follow up after the treatment is necessary.
Avoid contaminated objects
Main a distance with the infected persons.
