Cytomegalovirus (CMV) another very common Herpesvirus. In some populations, seropositivity is almost absolute. The virus has a very wide range of manifestations and while it most commonly causes an asymptomatic infection, it can also cause very serious disease and even death.

When CMV does present symptoms, it is usually a reactivation of the virus due to immunosuppression. In HIV+ patients, it has been seen to cause encephalitis, hepatitis, and colitis (all very serious "-itis's"). CMV is the leading cause of blindness in patients with an end-stage HIV infection. Another severe form of the virus' effects can be seen during prenatal infection of a fetus. CMV is one of the leading viral teratogens and is associated with stillbirth, miscarriages, and birth defects. Prenatal infection is most commonly seen if the mother is infected with CMV for the first time while she is pregnant (a reactivation may also have adverse effects, but this is not as common).

There is no good way to prevent CMV infection for, as with all Herpesviruses, this virus is everywhere, and there is no good way to tell who's infected. There is no vaccine, and the diseases caused by CMV may be treated only symptomatically.

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Created: March 1st, 2000
Updated: March 5th, 2000