Cytomegalic is a term used in medical contexts to describe something related to cytomegalovirus, which can cause serious complications in people with weakened immune systems. The word is spelled using the Latin prefix "cyto-" (meaning cell) and the suffix "-megalic" (meaning large or swelling). The pronunciation is /ˌsaɪ.toʊ.mɛˈɡæl.ɪk/, with emphasis on the second syllable. Correct spelling of medical terms is important for clear communication in the healthcare field, and can help avoid errors in treatment or diagnosis.
Cytomegalic is an adjective used to describe something related to or characterized by the presence or occurrence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Cytomegalovirus is a type of herpes virus that can infect humans. Cytomegalic infections are typically asymptomatic and go unnoticed in healthy individuals. However, they can cause significant complications for individuals with weakened immune systems, such as newborns, transplant recipients, or those diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.
The term cytomegalic can also be used to describe cellular changes that occur as a result of CMV infection. When CMV infects cells, it often causes the enlargement of affected cells, resulting in the term "cytomegalic." The enlargement of cells can be observed in various tissues, such as the liver, salivary glands, lungs, and kidneys.
In medicine and pathology, cytomegalic can further refer to different diseases or conditions linked to the presence of cytomegalovirus, including cytomegalic inclusion disease. This condition primarily affects infants who acquire CMV infection during pregnancy or childbirth. It can lead to severe symptoms like jaundice, pneumonia, central nervous system abnormalities, hearing loss, and impaired growth.
Overall, cytomegalic relates to the presence of cytomegalovirus or cellular changes associated with CMV infection, highlighting the potential health implications and clinical significance of this viral infection.
The word "cytomegalic" is derived from two root words: "cyto-" and "megal-".
The prefix "cyto-" comes from the Greek word "kytos", meaning "cell". This prefix is commonly used in scientific terminology to refer to cells or cellular components.
The root word "megal-" is also from Greek and means "large" or "excessive". It is often used to describe something that is abnormally big or oversized.
By combining these two elements, "cyto-" and "megal-", the term "cytomegalic" is formed. It is generally used in medical contexts to describe an enlargement or abnormal increase in the size of cells, particularly in reference to a condition called cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection.