Written by Gunjan Bedi
Cytomegalovirus is a common herpes virus that mainly infects babies. Cytomegalovirus in babies causes a broad spectrum of mild to asymptomatic and life-threatening diseases. If pregnant women have a weak immune system, CMV is a concern. This virus can easily pass to babies, and they may experience symptoms.
The virus stays in the body for its entire life and re-infects anytime. In most cases, babies may not have symptoms, so it is difficult to recognize if a baby has the CMV virus. Continue reading to know more about cytomegalovirus, its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.
In This Article
Cytomegalovirus belongs to the family of herpes virus. This organism replicates our cell machinery and spreads infection into the body. Newborn babies with CMV virus infection may have mild symptoms or remain symptom-free.
However, they are still at greater risk of developmental challenges and deafness. Babies with low immune responses may catch serious illnesses. Usually, the virus remains inactive inside the body. But it can come into an active state and cause disease.
CMV in infants usually occurs due to the transfer of infection from a person. The virus usually spreads due to the following reasons:
Some of the common symptoms of cytomegalovirus in babies include
In some babies, symptoms don’t appear initially or even after months. However, the late signs and symptoms of CMV virus in babies include
A few more symptoms that are common in babies having congenital virus are:
Depending on symptoms, healthcare experts may order some detection tests to detect Cytomegalovirus infection in babies.
The doctor may use a urine sample to diagnose the CMV virus in babies. For sample collection, doctors may provide instructions regarding how to collect samples.
Healthcare specialists use blood samples to diagnose the CMV virus in babies and adults.
A saliva test is usually recommended to diagnose CMV in babies. A small amount of saliva will be collected from the baby’s mouth for diagnosis.
The diagnosing procedure is generally performed through umbilical cord/baby blood after birth.
Doctors may sometimes suggest brain imaging, MRI, and audio examination to find other effects in babies due to CMV infection.
The effect of Cytomegalovirus mat varies from baby to baby. Some babies remain asymptomatic for longer unless visible signs start appearing. However, the most common effects of CMV virus in babies include:
Medical experts usually treat CMV in babies with antiviral medications such as valganciclovir (VGC) and ganciclovir (GCV). Doctors inject antiviral drugs into the veins or administer them as pills.
Treatment is mainly given to babies having compromised immune systems. Doctors may also suggest antivirus drug treatment for newborn babies who have symptoms of this virus. However, this virus may disappear without medicinal treatment in healthy babies with strong immunity.
These drugs help reduce the health problems in newborn babies born with cytomegalovirus. However, this treatment may not reverse the problems already affecting babies. In children, doctors may use occupational and also speech therapy to manage the side effects of developmental and hearing loss issues.
Avoid contact with an infected individual to prevent CMV infection. Here are some other specific ways to minimize the risk of CMV virus in babies.
Cytomegalovirus in babies may result in developmental problems if left untreated. As soon as a symptom arises, seek medical attention for guidance. Also, to prevent the spreading of this virus, follow all the above-listed preventive measures and seek a doctor’s guidance if required.
If your baby has been diagnosed with CMV virus after birth, immediately get assistance from a pediatrician for appropriate treatment. Follow all the precautionary measures provided by the experts. If your child faces hearing loss or developmental issues, doctors may start with speech therapy and other that help minimize the impact of hearing loss in the future.
If your baby is diagnosed with Cytomegalovirus, ask your doctor the questions below.
Gunjan Bedi an inspirational writer and story teller. My background in medical science make me a perfect content writer in parenting and medical content writing niche. My content has touched millions of readers within three years. Since past three years I have worked with several clients in different niche and provide easy to read content that readers love the most.Read more.
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