CYTOMEGALOVIRUS INFECTIONS Meaning and
Definition
-
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections are viral infections caused by the cytomegalovirus, which belongs to the herpes family of viruses. CMV infections can occur in people of all ages, but are most commonly seen in infants, individuals with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women.
CMV infections can be transmitted through various modes, including close personal contact, such as kissing or sexual intercourse, blood transfusions, organ transplantation, and from mother to fetus during pregnancy or childbirth. Most CMV infections are asymptomatic, meaning they do not show any noticeable symptoms. However, in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, CMV infections may manifest as a severe illness.
Symptoms of CMV infections may include fatigue, fever, sore throat, swollen glands, and muscle aches. In severe cases, it can cause pneumonia, hepatitis, retinitis, and neurological complications. In pregnant women, CMV infections can lead to congenital CMV, a condition that may cause hearing or vision loss, developmental delays, and other long-term health issues in the newborn.
Diagnosis of CMV infections is typically done through laboratory tests, such as blood tests or urine tests, to detect the presence of CMV-specific antibodies or the virus itself. Treatment options for CMV infections depend on the severity of the infection and the patient's immune status. Antiviral medications may be prescribed to control the infection and manage the symptoms. However, there is no definite cure for CMV infections.
Prevention measures include practicing good hygiene, especially frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with individuals with CMV infections, using barrier methods during sexual intercourse, and following strict infection control practices in healthcare settings. In certain cases, prophylactic
Common Misspellings for CYTOMEGALOVIRUS INFECTIONS
- xytomegalovirus infections
- vytomegalovirus infections
- fytomegalovirus infections
- dytomegalovirus infections
- cttomegalovirus infections
- cgtomegalovirus infections
- chtomegalovirus infections
- cutomegalovirus infections
- c7tomegalovirus infections
- c6tomegalovirus infections
- cyromegalovirus infections
- cyfomegalovirus infections
- cygomegalovirus infections
- cyyomegalovirus infections
- cy6omegalovirus infections
- cy5omegalovirus infections
- cytimegalovirus infections
- cytkmegalovirus infections
- cytlmegalovirus infections
- cytpmegalovirus infections
Etymology of CYTOMEGALOVIRUS INFECTIONS
The word "Cytomegalovirus" originates from the combination of three different components:
1. "Cyto-" is derived from the Greek word "kytos", meaning "cell". It is often used to refer to cells or cellular structures in medical terminology.
2. "Mega-" comes from the Greek word "megas", meaning "great" or "large".
3. "Virus" comes from the Latin word "virus", meaning "poison" or "noxious substance".
So, "Cytomegalovirus" refers to a virus that affects cells, particularly causing abnormal enlargement in them.
The term "Infections" is a noun form of the verb "infect", which comes from the Latin word "infectio", meaning "contamination" or "infection". It denotes the act or process of invading and multiplying within a host organism, consequently causing harm or disease.
