Methods of treatment of cytomegalovirus in children and adults
Cytomegalovirus infection belongs to the herpesvirus family. The disease is latent in healthy people, but is dangerous for patients with immunodeficiency (HIV-infected people taking immunosuppressants after organ and tissue transplantation). Congenital cytomegalovirus infection can lead to serious pathologies and even death. After infection, the virus remains in the body throughout life and is capable of reactivation at any time, which can cause the development of mucoepidermoid carcinoma and other malignant formations. It is important to take a timely blood test for cytomegalovirus antibodies during pregnancy.
Causes and symptoms of the disease
Infection occurs through direct contact with a carrier of infection or a patient through biological fluids: blood, semen, saliva, vaginal secretions, urine, breast milk. Another way of transmission of infection is from mother to fetus during pregnancy. Congenital cytomegaly may develop when the fetus is infected.
In patients with normal immunity, CMV infection often manifests as a mononucleosis-like syndrome 30-60 days after infection. Weakness, fever, muscle pain may be noted. After the production of antibodies against the virus, the symptoms of the disease disappear, but the virus remains in the body in an inactive form.
In immunocompromised patients, cytomegalovirus infection causes damage to the lungs, pancreas, liver, kidneys, and other organs. Intrauterine infection of the fetus threatens the development of a serious disease - congenital cytomegaly.
Symptoms of cytomegaly:
- enlargement of the spleen, liver;
- chorioretinitis;
- pneumonia;
- hardness of hearing;
- anomalies of tooth development.
The Epstein-Barr virus also belongs to the herpesvirus family. Symptoms of exposure to the Epstein-Barr virus in men:
- increased body temperature;
- inflammation of the tonsils;
- increased lymph nodes on the neck, back of the head, in the groin area.
What does positive cytomegalovirus IgG mean
The presence of IgM antibodies to cytomegalovirus in women with negative IgG indicates a recent infection and the onset of the disease. A positive result of the analysis for the detection of IgG and IgM antibodies indicates an acute stage of the disease.
What does cytomegalovirus IgG positive mean? A positive test means that a person is a carrier of cytomegalovirus. The presence of antibodies to cytomegalovirus is a sign of the development of persistent immunity to the pathogen. That is, a positive result of the analysis is considered favorable, provided that the patient does not suffer from immunodeficiency. A detailed interpretation of the analysis is carried out by a doctor. You will find more information about cytomegalovirus diagnostic methods on our website https://dobrobut.com.
Cytomegalovirus detected during pregnancy - what to do
How to treat cytomegalovirus? Viral carriage and mononucleosis-like syndrome in patients with normal immunity usually do not require treatment. Therapy is prescribed when generalized forms of infection are detected. The drugs used to treat cytomegalovirus are quite toxic, so they are prescribed only for vital indications. For the prevention of cytomegalovirus infection, which develops against the background of immunosuppressive therapy, anticytomegalovirus immunoglobulin is prescribed (by itself or in combination with an antiviral drug). This allows you to prevent the deterioration of the condition and reduce the risk of a fatal outcome.
If cytomegalovirus is detected during pregnancy, desensitizing and strengthening therapy is carried out to prevent transmission of the virus to the fetus. Prescribe immunomodulators, vitamins. Normal human immunoglobulin is used as a specific agent. The number of stillbirths with such a treatment regimen is reduced by five times. Drugs with a pronounced antiviral effect are toxic, and therefore are not used for the treatment of CMV infection in pregnant women.
Cytomegalovirus treatment in children is carried out using specific immunoglobulins and antiviral drugs. Ganciclovir, a purine acyclic nucleoside, has been recognized as an effective treatment for CMV infection. However, the drug has high toxicity, so it is not used to treat cytomegalovirus in newborns. In other age groups, ganciclovir is prescribed only when there is an immediate threat to the child's life. The use of the drug is justified with a confirmed diagnosis and clear indications.
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