HUMAN CYTOMEGALOVIRUS Meaning and
Definition
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Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a member of the herpesviridae family, specifically the betaherpesvirinae subfamily. It is a ubiquitous pathogen, infecting humans worldwide, with an estimated 50-90% of the global population being seropositive. HCMV is a large, enveloped DNA virus, consisting of a double-stranded DNA genome. This virus exhibits a broad cell tropism, infecting various cell types in the human body, including epithelial cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and immune cells.
Upon initial infection, HCMV may induce a spectrum of clinical presentations, ranging from asymptomatic to severe illness, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Primary infection in healthy individuals is often subclinical or accompanied by mild flu-like symptoms. However, immunocompromised patients, such as those with HIV/AIDS or transplant recipients, are more prone to developing severe disease manifestations, including pneumonitis, hepatitis, retinitis, and central nervous system disorders.
HCMV can establish a lifelong latent infection in the host, where it persists within certain cell types without causing obvious symptoms. However, reactivation of latent virus can occur during periods of immunosuppression or in individuals with decreased immune function due to aging.
Although antiviral drugs are available, there is currently no vaccine to prevent HCMV infection. The development of a safe and effective vaccine remains an important area of research due to the potential complications associated with HCMV infection in vulnerable populations. Studying HCMV is essential to gain a deeper understanding of its pathogenesis, immune response, and to establish preventive and therapeutic strategies against this significant human pathogen.
Common Misspellings for HUMAN CYTOMEGALOVIRUS
- guman cytomegalovirus
- buman cytomegalovirus
- numan cytomegalovirus
- juman cytomegalovirus
- uuman cytomegalovirus
- yuman cytomegalovirus
- hyman cytomegalovirus
- hhman cytomegalovirus
- hjman cytomegalovirus
- himan cytomegalovirus
- h8man cytomegalovirus
- h7man cytomegalovirus
- hunan cytomegalovirus
- hukan cytomegalovirus
- hujan cytomegalovirus
- humzn cytomegalovirus
- humsn cytomegalovirus
- humwn cytomegalovirus
- humqn cytomegalovirus
- humab cytomegalovirus
Etymology of HUMAN CYTOMEGALOVIRUS
The term "human cytomegalovirus" has its roots in multiple linguistic origins:
1. Human: The term "human" is derived from the Old French word "humain", which is ultimately derived from the Latin word "humanus". This Latin term is believed to have originated from the word "homō" meaning "man" or "human being".
2. Cytomegalovirus: "Cytomegalovirus" consists of two components- "cytomegalo" and "virus".
- Cytomegalo: The term "cytomegalo" is a combination of two Greek words: "cyto" meaning "cell" and "megalos" meaning "large". This concept reflects the virus's ability to induce enlarged cells or cytopathic effects.
