Cytomegalovirus infection, diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Cytomegalovirus: what is it, causes, symptoms, treatment, how does infection occur

Cytomegalovirus infection (cytomegaly) is certain changes in the body due to cytomegalovirus that occur during critical periods of life - during pregnancy, with immunodeficiency, in early infancy.

In adulthood, in practically healthy people, cytomegaly can proceed in a latent form for a long time, and the virus can stay in the body for a long time without manifesting itself clinically.

Diagnostics

The basis of diagnosis is the laboratory detection of cytomegalovirus or antibodies to it in the blood.

Usually used to determine the level of antibodies of the class IgM and IgG (Anti-CMV-IgM and Anti-CMV-IgG).

• If class M immunoglobulins are detected in the blood (antibodies of the IgM class are positive), this indicates an active infection and a fresh infection with cytomegalovirus that occurred in the next 2-3 weeks.
• The presence of only immunoglobulins G (IgG antibodies are positive) in the blood indicates the presence of cytomegalovirus in the body in the inactive phase - this is carriage without activation of the infection.
• The appearance in the blood of an increasing amount of immunoglobulin G (antibodies of the IgG class) indicates the activation of immunity and the formation of an immune response in the body.
• If there are both classes of immunoglobulins IgM and IgG in the blood, this is an infection that developed about a month ago or a chronic active infection (like congenital cytomegaly, infections in people with immunodeficiency).

Symptoms of cytomegalovirus

CMV infection in adults

Infection with cytomegalovirus in adults can occur under the guise of a persistent cold, while there may be a prolonged runny nose and malaise, weakness, headaches and joint pain, an increase in the salivary glands and lymph nodes.

Most often, the infection process occurs almost imperceptibly to humans.

In general, the severity of the disease will directly depend on the state of the immune system - the course can be from completely asymptomatic to severe generalized infection.

Cytomegalovirus in children

With congenital CMV infection in newborns

• a rash on the skin in the form of small hemorrhages may occur,
• there may be either prematurity or intrauterine growth retardation of the baby,
• severe jaundice may appear immediately after birth,
• development of chorioretinitis (inflammation of the retina and choroid),
• the condition can be severe with a mortality rate of up to 30%.

Children with congenital cytomegaly develop mental retardation or vision and hearing problems.

In premature infants, acquired cytomegalovirus infection gives symptoms of prolonged pneumonia, due to the addition of a microbial infection. There may be a slowdown in physical development, manifestations of hepatitis, rashes, or swollen lymph nodes.

Occasionally, in older children, CMV infection produces manifestations similar to mononucleosis. There are manifestations of a persistent cold with sore throat, prolonged fever, chills and headaches, pain in the joints and muscles, swollen lymph nodes and the area of ​​the salivary glands. In this case, there may be rashes on the skin, similar to rubella. Sometimes jaundice or changes in liver enzymes may occur. Often there are complications with the development of pneumonia, but usually it is not severe, sometimes being detected only on x-rays.

Treatment

The presence of the virus in the blood does not require any treatment, since in an inactive state in healthy people it does not pose a danger.

In the presence of clinical manifestations or in pregnant women of high risk groups, immunomodulatory therapy is carried out - suppositories of viferon, geneferon.

When the infection is activated, ganciclovir or acyclovir preparations are indicated, but they are used strictly under the supervision of a doctor and blood tests due to the presence of numerous side effects.

With HIV infection, cytomegalovirus is treated with foscarnet, but only in a hospital and under the control of blood electrolytes and blood composition. The drug is selected in individual dosages.

Forecast

A cure for cytomegalovirus has not yet been described, the virus circulates in the blood for life. Activation of the infection can last from 2-3 weeks to several months, it all depends on the strength of the immune system.

With immunodeficiencies, the prognosis is unfavorable, as well as in premature babies. In other cases, cytomegalovirus infection proceeds favorably and mostly without symptoms.

Types of cytomegalovirus infection

Depending on the clinical manifestations, CMV infection can be:

• asymptomatic carrier,
• congenital infection,
• acquired infection during the neonatal period,
• mononucleosis-like course of infection,
• cytomegaly in immunodeficiencies,
• cold-like syndrome.

Causes and mechanisms of development

CMV infection occurs as a result of infection with cytomegalovirus, which got its name because of the ability to form giant cells in the body.

Cytomegalovirus is common among adults; by the age of 30, half of the adult population has antibodies to CMV infection. For the most part, this is an asymptomatic carriage or asymptomatic manifestations of the disease. The activation of cytomegalovirus and the manifestation of infection occurs during special periods of life, characterized by a physiological or pathological decrease in immunity.

It's possible:

• during pregnancy,
• during the neonatal period, especially in premature babies,
• with congenital and acquired immunodeficiencies,
• with chronic infections affecting the lymphatic and immune systems,
• with oncological diseases,
• after organ or bone marrow transplantation.

Cytomegalovirus is not a highly contagious infection, and its transmission requires multiple and prolonged contacts. Usually get infected

• sexually (with any kind of sexual contact),
• airborne (when sneezing and coughing),
• household (with kisses, licking spoons and nipples of children),
• transplacental route (from mother to fetus),
• with blood transfusions (with blood transfusion).

The entry of cytomegalovirus into the blood causes the activation of immunity and the formation of antibodies and special lymphocytic cells, which makes it possible to suppress the virus for a long time. But, with suppression of immunity, cytomegalovirus infection gives symptoms.

Cytomegalovirus is a fairly common viral disease, which, meanwhile, is not known to everyone. Cytomegalovirus, the symptoms and characteristic features of which are determined primarily by the state of the immune system, in its normal state, may not manifest itself at all, without having any harmful effect on the body of the virus carrier. It is noteworthy that in this case, the only feature of the virus carrier is the possibility of transmitting cytomegalovirus infection to another person.

general description

Cytomegalovirus is actually a relative of the common one, because it belongs to the group of herpesviruses, which includes, in addition to herpes and cytomegalovirus, two more diseases like and. The presence of cytomegalovirus is noted in blood, semen, urine, vaginal mucus, and also in tears, which determines the possibility of infection by it through close contact with these types of biological fluids.

Given the fact that human tears in extremely rare cases enter the body, most of the infection occurs through sexual contact and even with a kiss. At the same time, it is important to note that although this virus is extremely common, it still does not belong to particularly contagious infections - in order to acquire this virus, it is necessary to try extremely intensively and for a long time to mix your own fluids and those of the carrier of the virus. Given these features, it is not necessary to exaggerate the danger posed by cytomegalovirus, however, precautions should not be neglected either.

Cytomegalovirus: the main types of the disease

The duration of the course of the disease we are considering in a latent form is extremely difficult to determine, because it is impossible to determine the moment that is noted during the course of the disease as the initial one. Conventionally, it is designated within the interval of one or two months. As for the varieties of cytomegalovirus, here experts distinguish the following possible options:

• Congenital cytomegalovirus infection , the symptoms of which are manifested for the most part in the form of an enlarged spleen and liver. In addition, the danger of the disease lies in the possible hemorrhage that occurs against the background of infection, occurring in the internal organs. Such features of the course lead to disturbances in the work of the central nervous system, in addition, in women, the infection can provoke or miscarriage.
• Acute cytomegalovirus infection. As the main ways of infection here, mainly sexual contact is determined, however, infection is also possible during blood transfusion. Features of the symptomatology, as a rule, are similar to the manifestations characteristic of the common cold, in addition, there is also an increase in the salivary glands and the formation of white plaque on the gums and tongue.
• Generalized cytomegalovirus infection. In this case, the manifestations of the disease are expressed in the formation of inflammatory processes in the spleen, kidneys, adrenal glands, pancreas. As a rule, inflammatory processes occur due to a decrease in immunity, while their course proceeds in combination with a bacterial infection.

Common symptoms of cytomegalovirus infection

Medical practice defines three possible options that characterize the course of cytomegalovirus, which, accordingly, determines the features of its symptoms. In particular, the following possible flow options are distinguished:

• Cytomegalovirus infection, which manifests itself in a normal state that characterizes the functioning of the immune system. The duration of the latent course of the disease is about two months. Symptoms of cytomegalovirus infection are manifested in the form of fever, muscle pain and general weakness. In addition, there is also an increase in lymph nodes. As a rule, the disease in this case goes away on its own, which becomes possible thanks to the antibodies produced by the body itself. Meanwhile, cytomegalovirus can be in it for a long time, remaining in an inactive state during the period of stay in the body.
• Cytomegalovirus infection, manifested at the time of weakening the state of the body's immune system. In this case, we are talking about a generalized form, in accordance with the characteristics of which the disease manifests itself. In particular, the symptoms include damage to the lungs, liver, pancreas, kidneys and retina. Due to the peculiarities of the state of the immune system, cytomegalovirus infection manifests itself in patients after bone marrow transplantation or any internal organ, as well as in patients with diseases that are lymphoproliferative in nature (leukemia) and patients with tumors formed due to hematopoietic cells (hemoblastosis).
• Congenital cytomegalovirus infection. Its manifestations occur against the background of intrauterine infection, with the exclusion of miscarriages. The symptoms characteristic of the disease in this form are expressed in manifestations of prematurity, which implies a developmental delay, as well as problems with the formation of the jaw, hearing and vision. There is also an increase in the spleen, kidneys, liver and some other types of internal organs.

Cytomegalovirus: symptoms in men

Cytomegalovirus infection in men is found in the body mainly in an inactive form, and as the main reason for its activation, a decrease in defenses can be identified, which the body encounters in stressful situations, nervous exhaustion and colds.

Stopping on the symptoms of cytomegalovirus in men, the following manifestations can be distinguished:

• temperature rise;
• chills;
• headache;
• swelling of the mucous membranes and nose;
• enlarged lymph nodes;
• runny nose;
• skin rash;
• inflammatory diseases that occur in the joints.

As you can see, the listed manifestations are similar to the manifestations noted in acute respiratory infections and. Meanwhile, it is important to take into account that the symptoms of the disease occur only after 1-2 months from the moment of infection, that is, after the end of the incubation period. The main difference, due to which it becomes possible to separate this disease from the common cold, is the duration of its characteristic clinical manifestations. So, the symptoms of cytomegalovirus persist for four to six weeks, while ARI traditionally lasts no more than one to two weeks.

From the moment of infection, the patient immediately acts as an active carrier of the virus, remaining it for a period of about three years. In addition, some cases indicate that cytomegalovirus also affects the genitourinary organs, which, in turn, leads to the appearance of inflammatory diseases in the organs of the genitourinary system and testicular tissues. Actual lesions in cytomegalovirus in this area lead to unpleasant sensations during urination.

A critical drop in immunity leads to a greater severity of cytomegalovirus, which, in turn, causes damage to internal organs, as well as disorders in the activity of the central nervous system, pleurisy, myocarditis, encephalitis. Rare cases indicate that the presence of a number of infectious diseases in a patient can lead to the fact that the inflammatory process causes paralysis formed in the brain tissues, which, accordingly, leads to death.

As in other cases, the natural level of susceptibility to the infection we are considering in men, in particular, is extremely high, while the infectious process itself can proceed with various symptoms. Meanwhile, again, under the condition of the normal functioning of the immune system, the course of the disease is not accompanied by any pronounced manifestations. Cytomegalovirus in an acute form occurs in current immunodeficient physiological conditions, as well as in the presence of a congenital or acquired type of immunodeficiency.

Cytomegalovirus and pregnancy: symptoms

During pregnancy, cytomegalovirus can provoke serious violations regarding the development of the child or even lead to the death of the fetus. It should be noted that the risk of transmission through the placenta of infection is extremely high.

The most serious consequences are noted in the case of primary infection, which the fetus is exposed to when the pathogen enters the mother's body when carrying a child for the first time. Given this feature, those women who did not have antibodies to cytomegalovirus in their blood before conception should be especially attentive to their own health - in this case they are at risk.

The possibility of infection of the fetus is noted in the following situations:

• at conception (if there is a pathogen in the male seed);
• through the placenta or through the fetal membranes during fetal development;
• during childbirth during the passage of the baby through the birth canal.

In addition to these situations, infection of a newborn is also possible during feeding, which occurs due to the presence of a virus in mother's milk. It is noteworthy that infection of a child during labor, as well as during the first months of his life, is not as dangerous for him as for the fetus during its intrauterine development.

When the fetus is infected during the course of pregnancy, the possibility of taking various directions by the development of the pathological process is noted. Some cases indicate that cytomegalovirus may not cause any symptoms, respectively, without affecting the health of the child. This, in turn, significantly increases the chances that the baby will be born healthy.

It also happens that such children have a low birth weight, which, meanwhile, does not entail any special consequences - after a while, in most cases, both the weight and the level of development of children come to the indicators of their peers. Some children, in accordance with a number of indicators, may lag behind in development. Newborns, thus, become, like the majority of people, passive carriers of cytomegalovirus infection.

In the case of intrauterine infection with cytomegalovirus infection of the fetus, as a result of the development of the infectious process, its death may occur, in particular, such a forecast becomes relevant in the early stages of pregnancy (up to 12 weeks). If the fetus survives (which mainly happens if it is infected at a time later than the period defined as critical for infection), then the baby is born already with a congenital cytomegalovirus infection. The manifestations of its symptoms are noted immediately, or it becomes noticeable by the second to fifth years of life.

If the disease manifests itself immediately, then it is characterized by a course in combination with a number of malformations in the form of underdevelopment of the brain, its dropsy, as well as diseases of the liver and spleen (, jaundice, an increase in the size of the liver). In addition, a newborn may have congenital malformations, heart disease, the possibility of developing deafness, muscle weakness, cerebral palsy, becomes relevant for him. The risk of diagnosing a child with a delay in the level of mental development becomes possible.

With regard to the possibility of manifestation of symptoms characteristic of cytomegalovirus at a later age, the consequences of infection during pregnancy are manifested in this case in the form of hearing loss, blindness, retarded speech, psychomotor disorders and mental retardation. Due to the severity of the consequences that can be triggered by infection with the virus in question, its appearance during childbearing can act as an indication for artificial termination of pregnancy.

The final decision in this matter is made by the doctor on the basis of taking into account the results obtained during ultrasound, virological examination, as well as taking into account the actual complaints of the patient.

As we have already noted, the most severe consequences of infection of the fetus with a cytomegalovirus infection are observed almost exclusively only in the case of primary infection with the pathogen of the mother during the course of pregnancy. In the woman's body, only in this case there are no antibodies that prevent the pathogenic effects of the virus. Thus, in its unweakened state, cytomegalovirus without any difficulty penetrates the fetus through the placenta. It should be noted that the probability of possible infection of the fetus is 50% in this case.

Prevention of primary infection is possible by limiting contact with a significant number of people as much as possible, especially with children who, in the presence of the virus, shed it into the environment before the age of five years. The presence of antibodies in the body of a pregnant woman determines the possibility of an exacerbation of the disease in the event of a decrease in immunity, as well as in the presence of a concomitant type of pathology and the use of certain medications, the action of which suppresses the protective forces inherent in the body.

Now let's look at the symptoms. Cytomegalovirus, the symptoms in women during pregnancy, which proceed by analogy with the symptoms, is expressed, respectively, in a slight increase in temperature and in general weakness. It is also important to note that for the most part the course of the infectious process can be characterized by a complete absence of symptoms, and the virus is detected only as a result of appropriate laboratory tests. For an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to conduct a blood test for the presence of intrauterine infections.

Treatment of a pregnant woman with acute cytomegalovirus detected in her or with the relevance of primary infection requires the use of antiviral medications, as well as immunomodulators.

It is noteworthy that timely treatment determines the possibility of minimizing the risk of intrauterine development of the fetus. In the event that a pregnant woman acts as a virus carrier, treatment is not performed. The only thing that the doctor can recommend in this case is the attentive attitude of the mother to her own immunity, and, accordingly, to maintaining it at an appropriate level. At the birth of a child with a congenital form of cytomegaly, it is recommended to postpone the planning of the next pregnancy for a period of about two years.

Cytomegalovirus: symptoms in children

The reason that provokes the occurrence of cytomegalovirus infection in children is their infection in the process of intrauterine development through the placenta. With infection for up to 12 weeks, as we have already noted, there is a high risk of fetal death, and if infection occurs at a later date, the fetus survives, but certain disturbances in its development are noted.

Only about 17% of the total number of infected children experience various symptoms corresponding to cytomegalovirus infection. Cytomegalovirus infection in children, the symptoms of which are manifested in the form of jaundice, an increase in internal organs in size (spleen, liver), and changes in the composition of the blood at the biochemical level, in severe forms of its course, can provoke disorders in the central nervous system. In addition, as we have noted earlier, damage to the hearing aid and eyes may develop.

In frequent cases, the appearance of a profuse rash in children is noted already during the first hours (days) from the moment of birth if they have an infection. It affects the skin in the torso, face, legs and arms. In addition, cytomegalovirus, the symptoms of which in a child are often accompanied by hemorrhages under the skin or mucous membranes, is often accompanied by bleeding of the umbilical wound along with the detection of blood in the feces.

Damage to the brain leads to trembling of the hands and to convulsions, there is increased drowsiness. Cytomegalovirus infection, the symptoms of which, also in its congenital form, are manifested in the form of visual impairment or in its complete loss, can also occur in combination with developmental delays.

If the mother has an acute form of cytomegalovirus at the time of the birth of the baby, her blood is tested for the presence of antibodies against the pathogen, which is done during the first weeks / months of life. Determination in laboratory diagnosis of the presence of cytomegalovirus infection does not indicate the inevitability of the development of an acute form of this disease.

Meanwhile, this can be at the same time a cause for concern, because the likelihood of late manifestations characteristic of the infectious process is greatly increased. Given this feature, babies in this situation require constant monitoring by specialists, which will allow in the early stages to identify the symptoms corresponding to the disease, as well as to carry out the necessary treatment.

Sometimes it also happens that the first symptoms of cytomegalovirus appear by the third or fifth years of life. In addition, it has been proven that the transmission of infection occurs in the environment of preschool groups, which occurs through saliva.

In children, the symptoms of cytomegalovirus infection are similar to the manifestations of acute respiratory infections, which is expressed in the following:

• temperature rise;
• enlarged lymph nodes;
• runny nose;
• chills;
• increased sleepiness.

In some cases, there is a possibility of developing a disease up to pneumonia, in addition, diseases of an endocrine nature (pituitary gland, adrenal glands), diseases of the gastrointestinal tract become relevant. With a latent course of the disease, there are no violations of the immune system, while it is quite common and, as practice shows, there are no threats to the health of the child in this case.

Diagnosis of cytomegalovirus

Diagnosis of the disease is made using a number of specific studies focused on the detection of the virus in question. This includes not only laboratory methods, but also the study of clinical features:

• cultural sowing. With its help, the possibility of detecting the virus in the taken samples of saliva, semen, blood, urine, and a general smear is determined. Here, not only the relevance of the presence of the virus is revealed, but also a comprehensive picture is drawn up, indicating its activity. In addition, by conducting this analysis, it becomes clear how effective the therapy used against the action of the virus is.
• Light microscopy. Using this method, using a microscope in it, it is possible to detect cytomegalovirus giant cells that have a specific type of intranuclear inclusions.
• ELISA. This method is based on the detection of antibodies to cytomegalovirus infection. With immunodeficiency, it is not used, because this condition excludes the possibility of producing antibodies.
• DNA diagnostics. The tissues of the body are examined to detect the DNA of the virus in question. It is possible to obtain only information regarding the presence of the virus in the body, however, with the exception of information regarding its activity.

Given the many different forms in which cytomegalovirus can reside in the body, making a diagnosis involves the use of a combination of different methods, because using only one of the research methods to make an accurate diagnosis is not enough.

Treatment of cytomegalovirus

To date, there is no method of treatment by which cytomegalovirus is completely eliminated from the body. In the normal state of the immune system and the absence of activity from the virus, treatment, as such, is not required.

If a cytomegalovirus infection is detected in the body, it is not necessary to use antiviral therapy without fail. Moreover, the effectiveness of the use of immunotherapeutic drugs in combination with it has not been proven, as well as the effectiveness of antiviral therapy in the presence of a congenital infection.

A course of treatment is required without fail in the following conditions:

• hepatitis;
• disorders of the auditory and visual organs;
• pneumonia;
• encephalitis;
• jaundice, subcutaneous hemorrhages and prematurity (in the case of a congenital form of cytomegalovirus).

Treatment, as a rule, involves the use of drugs in the form of suppositories (Viferon), as well as a number of antiviral drugs. The duration of administration, as well as the dosage, are determined based on the individual characteristics and condition of the patient.

To diagnose cytomegalovirus based on the presence of appropriate symptoms, you must contact a venereologist or a dermatovenereologist.

(other name - CMV infection ) is an infectious disease that belongs to the family herpesviruses . This virus infects a person both in utero and in other ways. So, cytomegalovirus can be transmitted sexually, by airborne droplets through the alimentary route.

According to the existing statistical study, antibodies to cytomegalovirus are found in approximately 10-15% of adolescents. Already at the age of 35, the number of such people increases to 40%.

Cytomegalovirus was discovered by scientists in 1956. A feature of this virus is its affinity for the tissues of the salivary glands. Therefore, if the disease has a localized form, then the virus can be detected exclusively in these glands. This virus is present in the human body for life. However, cytomegalovirus is not highly infectious. As a rule, in order to become infected with the virus, prolonged and repeated contacts, close communication with the carrier are necessary.

Today, there are three groups of people for whom control over the activity of cytomegalovirus is a particularly topical issue. These are pregnant women, people who have recurrent herpes and patients with compromised immune responses.

Causes of cytomegalovirus

A person can become infected with cytomegalovirus in many ways. So, infection can occur by contact, through the use of infected things, in the process of organ transplantation, as well as blood transfusion from a donor previously infected with cytomegalovirus. The disease is transmitted, moreover, through sexual intercourse, by airborne droplets, during pregnancy, in utero and during childbirth. The virus is found in blood, saliva, breast milk, semen, and secretions from the female genital organs. But the virus that enters the human body cannot be recognized immediately, because in this case the duration of the incubation period is about 60 days. These days, the virus may not appear at all, but after the incubation period, the onset of the disease occurs abruptly. Hypothermia and the subsequent decrease in immunity become factors provoking cytomegalovirus. Symptoms of the disease are also manifested due to stress.

Symptoms of cytomegalovirus

If the virus enters the body, then the restructuring of the immune system begins in it. And after the acute phase of the disease is over, the manifestation of vegetative-vascular disorders and asthenia for a long time is possible.

In people with immunodeficiency (people who have undergone chemotherapy, HIV-infected people, and people undergoing immunosuppressive therapy for organ transplants), the presence of cytomegalovirus can provoke the manifestation of very serious diseases. The lesions that occur in such patients can be fatal.

Diagnosis of cytomegalovirus

When diagnosing, one should take into account the fact that the presence of cytomegalovirus can only be detected in the case of special studies of urine, saliva, blood, semen, as well as smears from the genital organs during the initial infection with the disease or during an exacerbation of the infection. If the virus is detected at another time, then this is not decisive for diagnosis.

After this infection enters the body, it begins to produce - antibodies to cytomegalovirus. They stop the development of the disease, as a result of which it is asymptomatic. In the course of a laboratory blood test, such antibodies can be detected. However, a single identification of antibody titer does not make it possible to distinguish between a current infection and a past infection. Indeed, in the body of the carrier of the virus, both cytomegalovirus and antibodies are constantly present. In this case, antibodies do not prevent infection, and immunity to cytomegalovirus is not produced. In case of ineffective diagnosis, the patient must be tested again after a few weeks.

Treatment of cytomegalovirus

If a person is diagnosed with cytomegalovirus, the treatment of the disease will be aimed at strangling all forms of manifestation of the disease and eliminating unpleasant symptoms. After all, today doctors do not have a tool that destroys the virus in the human body completely.

If symptoms do not appear in patients who have been diagnosed with cytomegalovirus, treatment of the disease is not required. After all, this indicates the normal immunity of the virus carrier.

If a virus is detected in the blood, in this case, therapy involves supporting and strengthening the immune system. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out immunomodulatory, as well as restorative treatment. Vitamin complexes are also prescribed.

In the treatment of cytomegalovirus in children and adults, it is important to use an integrated approach to prescribing therapy. As a rule, the treatment is prescribed to take drugs with antiviral and immune effects. With the right approach to treatment, the body's defenses are activated, and the activation of the latent form of the disease is further controlled.

It is very important to undergo all the necessary examinations and timely determine the exacerbation of the disease during . Accordingly, if a cytomegalovirus is detected in a pregnant woman, the treatment is selected taking into account all the individual characteristics of her body. If the case is severe, it is sometimes recommended to resort to termination of pregnancy. Such a conclusion is based on information obtained as a result of virological studies, clinical indications, ultrasound of the placenta and fetus.

Treatment aimed at maintaining immunity includes procedures to strengthen and harden the body. So, bath procedures are often recommended in this case, and those who have some training can periodically bathe in ice water.

There are many medicinal herbs, decoctions of which stimulate the improvement of the general condition of the body. The use of herbs with a choleretic effect is suitable: dog rose, corn stigmas, immortelle, yarrow. You can rinse your mouth with a weak solution .

The doctors

Medications

Prevention of cytomegalovirus

Prevention of cytomegalovirus is mainly in the careful observance of the rules of both personal and sexual hygiene. It is important to exercise due care when coming into contact with infected people. Care should be taken most carefully during pregnancy: in this case, casual sexual intercourse should not be allowed. Another important point in the issue of the prevention of cytomegalovirus is the support of immunity. You should lead a physically active life, eat right, walk in fresh clean air, take vitamins, and avoid stressful situations. Children need to be taught to the right way of life and hygiene from the first years of life.

Cytomegalovirus in children

When children are infected with cytomegalovirus, the incubation period can last from 15 days to 3 months or even more. Allocate congenital and acquired cytomegalovirus infection. Very often, cytomegalovirus in children occurs without severe symptoms. In the congenital form of the disease, the fetus becomes infected during fetal development, becoming infected from the mother. From the mother's blood, the virus enters the placenta, after which it enters the blood of the fetus and then penetrates into the tissue of the salivary glands. If the fetus was infected in the early stages of pregnancy, it may die. Otherwise, the child is born with a number of severe defects. So, cytomegalovirus in children can cause microcephaly , , as well as other brain pathologies with subsequent development mental retardation . Perhaps the birth of children with pathology of the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, lungs, respiratory tract. Also, cytomegalovirus in children causes convulsions , .

If the infection of the child occurred at a later date, then the newborn does not have pronounced defects, however, the disease is expressed by severe jaundice , the child's spleen and liver are enlarged, damage to the lungs and intestines is possible.

If there is an acute course of cytomegalovirus infection, then the newborn has a number of symptoms: poor appetite, fever may rise, the child is not gaining weight well, has an unstable stool. Possible hemorrhagic rashes on the skin. After a certain time, due to poor recruitment, it develops anemia , hypotrophy . In general, a very severe course of cytomegalovirus infection is noted, and as a result, it often ends in the death of a child in the first month of life.

If the disease is chronic or asymptomatic, then the child's condition remains satisfactory.

With the acquired form of the disease, the child becomes infected during childbirth, or gets an infection already in the first days of life during contact with the carrier of the infection.

There are two options for the course of cytomegalovirus in children in this case: either the salivary glands are affected in isolation, or several or one organ is affected. As symptoms, the child manifests a high temperature, an increase in lymph nodes both on the neck and in other places. The mucous membrane of the pharynx swells, the tonsils, spleen, liver increase. The child refuses to eat, the stool is disturbed - either diarrhea appears. Lesions of the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, yellowness of the sclera, trembling of the extremities are manifested. Possible and sepsis , but the effect of therapy with antibacterial drugs is not manifested. The course of the disease is long, the diagnosis, as a rule, is difficult to establish, because cytomegalovirus is sometimes not detected in the blood and saliva.

Also, when a child is infected with cytomegalovirus, cytomegalovirus hepatitis . Such children are born with severe hemorrhagic syndrome and a number of malformations described above. Very often, the course of the disease ends in death.

Cytomegalovirus in pregnant women

However, the most serious complications of this disease occur in women who are expecting a baby. Cytomegalovirus and pregnancy is a rather dangerous combination, because infection with this disease sometimes even leads to premature birth. It is cytomegalovirus that is one of the most frequently manifested causes of abortion.

In addition, a child of a sick mother can be born with low body weight, as well as with serious damage to the lungs, liver and central nervous system. Cytomegalovirus and pregnancy is a risk that the child may not survive at all. So, according to various estimates, 12–30% of such newborns die. In children who survived, in about 90% of cases, a number of late complications are observed: they can lose their hearing, sometimes there are speech disorders, and optic nerves atrophy.

Therefore, a very important step is the screening for the presence of cytomegalovirus infection in the process of planning the birth of a child. If you correctly approach the use of both therapeutic and preventive measures, then the negative impact of cytomegalovirus on the course of pregnancy and the likelihood of manifestation of pathologies in a child can be prevented.

Diet, nutrition with cytomegalovirus

List of sources

• Krasnov V.V., Malysheva E.B. Cytomegalovirus infection. Nizhny Novgorod: Publishing House of NGMA, 2004;
• Isakov, V.A., Arkhipova E.I., Isakov D.V. Human herpesvirus infections: a guide for physicians. - St. Petersburg: Special Lit., 2006;
• Samokhin P.A. Cytomegalovirus infection in children. - M.: Medicine, 1987;
• Borisov L.B. Medical microbiology, virology, immunology: M.: Medical Information Agency LLC, 2002.

The cause of the development of the chronic form of cytomegalovirus infection is herpesvirus type five, which is capable of being in the human body in a latent (inactive) state for a long time. The prevalence of this disease is quite high, because, once in the body, the pathogen can be there, not showing activity, throughout a person's life. With primary infection, the development of an acute form of the disease is possible, which subsequently becomes chronic.

In the chronic form, cytomegalovirus most often goes unnoticed. In case of violation or decrease in the activity of the immune system, which can be caused by various reasons, including past diseases, the virus is reactivated. This can lead to an exacerbation, manifested by symptoms resembling the clinical manifestations of colds (mononucleosis-like syndrome). With the normal functioning of the immune system, the activity of the virus is suppressed after 2-5 weeks. With pathologies of immunity, CMV can lead to the development of various diseases, manifested by characteristic symptoms.

Ways of infection with chronic CMV infection

CMV infection requires repeated contact or prolonged contact with an infected person. The main routes of transmission are:

• airborne
• sexual
• blood transfusion
• from woman to fetus during pregnancy.
• Factors provoking the development of a clinically pronounced form of CMV are:
• constant stressful situations;
• long-term use of cytotoxic drugs or immunosuppressants;
• surgical interventions in organ transplantation;
• oncological diseases;
• the presence of sexually transmitted infections.

Symptoms of chronic cytomegalovirus

In adult patients, the clinical course of the chronic form of cytomegalovirus directly depends on the state of immunity. The disease can proceed imperceptibly, and can have severe generalized manifestations. Most often, the symptoms of this type of cytomegalovirus in adults look like a persistent cold and manifest themselves:

• prolonged rhinitis;
• general malaise;
• rapid fatigue and weakness;
• causeless headaches and joint pains;
• enlargement of the lymph nodes.

Clinical manifestations of congenital cytomegalovirus in children can vary within a fairly wide range:

• the appearance of small hemorrhages (petechiae) on the skin;
• neonatal jaundice;
• chorioretinitis - inflammation of the retina;
• developmental delay;
• death (possible in a third of infected babies).

For the diagnosis of chronic CMV infection, the determination of the titer of immunoglobulins G and M in the patient's blood is used.

Treatment of the disease in the presence of symptoms is carried out with the help of immunomodulatory therapy, which must be carried out strictly under the supervision of a specialist.

If a virus is detected in the blood and there are no clinical manifestations, specific therapy is not required.

Before starting treatment for cytomegalovirus, it is necessary to accurately diagnose the disease and determine whether treatment for CMVI is necessary in your case. Since it is not always required, you need to be aware of it. In addition, it is not easy to diagnose the presence of cytomegalovirus infection and CMV is easily confused with other diseases. Below we will talk about how to cure cytomegalovirus and how it is treated, as well as in what cases it is necessary.

Cytomegalovirus infection should be treated only when the disease is an undeniable danger to the human body. Such cases are clearly identified only by a specialist, after visiting a sick clinic to diagnose the disease. If the body has symptoms of a generalized cytomegalovirus infection, then it is extremely important to contact the clinic. The treatment regimen for cytomegalovirus can only be drawn up after a personal examination of the patient.

A person who has been ill with cytomegalovirus and has undergone an infectious disease without any serious consequences acquires a fairly strong immunity. In the vast majority of cases, cytomegalovirus infection, having struck the human body, does not cause any symptoms. The virus itself in the body takes a sleep mode, remaining in a person forever. And it manifests itself, causing relapses, accompanied by all sorts of complications, only with a strong weakening of the immune system.

In all cases, the treatment of cytomegalovirus infection pursues the goal - to significantly mitigate the negative impact of a viral infection on the human body. Most often, after infection, a person with a sufficiently strong immune system easily endures the primary outbreak of an infectious disease, so there is no need for a person with cytomegalovirus to go to the hospital. In such people, after a short manifestation, the set of symptoms that have been created ceases without a trace. As a result, the disease mostly goes unnoticed.

When is cytomegalovirus treatment really necessary?

The specific circumstances under which the attending physician determines the course of treatment of cytomegalovirus infection in adults or in children include such manifestations as:

• The presence of acquired or congenital immunodeficiency in a patient of any age.
• Generalized stage - the widespread spread of the virus is accompanied by a very painful inflammatory process throughout the body or in a certain organ against the background of the presence of other infections that weaken the basic protective functions of the human body.
• Complicated or exacerbated course of cytomegalovirus or preparation for treatment with allogeneic organ transplantation, pneumonia, encephalitis, oncological diseases - when using therapy that severely suppresses the immune system.
• During the first trimester of pregnancy, immunocompromised women may develop primary cytomegalovirus, which can potentially cause extremely severe damage to the fetus, and may also cause miscarriage.

The generalized stage or symptomatic exacerbation of a cytomegalovirus infection is often characterized by the fact that most patients, and even sometimes some doctors, confuse this viral disease due to its similarity with the symptoms of influenza-like diseases or SARS. As well as other infectious diseases. Often this leads to erroneous treatment and a high risk of developing severe complications.

With absolutely accurate differential diagnosis, the treatment for cytomegalovirus will be prescribed to the patient as adequate as possible. And the medicines are prescribed for the right purpose.

Drugs and vitamins for the treatment of cytomegalovirus infection

Let's look at how to treat cytomegalovirus with drugs. The main medications for cytomegalovirus infection and their treatment are divided into several small groups:

• Symptomatic remedies- provide relief, anesthetize, eliminate inflammation, constrict blood vessels (nasal drops, eye drops, painkillers, anti-inflammatory, folk remedies).
• Antiviral drugs- inhibit the activity of the infection (Ganciclovir, Panavir, Cidofovir, Foscarnet).
• Posyndromic drugs- restore damaged organs and tissues in case of complications (capsules, suppositories, tablets, injections, gels, ointments, drops).
• Immunomodulators- strengthen and stimulate the immune system (Leukinferon, Roferon A, Neovir, Genferon, Viferon).
• Immunoglobulins- bind and destroy viral particles (Neocytotect, Cytotect, Megalotect).
• Vitamin and mineral complex- to support the immune system.

In men, cytomegalovirus is treated with antiviral drugs - Foscarnet, Ganciclovir, Viferon. And immunoglobulins - Cytotect, Megalotect.

In women, cytomegalovirus is treated with antiviral drugs - Acyclovir, Viferon, Genferon, Cycloferon.

List of drugs

1. Foscarnet is an antiviral drug. Infectious cytomegalovirus is treated quite successfully with Foscarnet. It is used in severe cases of the disease and in complex forms of possible exacerbations that can be caused by other diseases. It is advisable to use this drug with a weakened immune system in a patient. When the drug enters the diseased cell, the elongation of the viral chain is disrupted, that is, the drug slows down, and then completely stops the active reproduction of the virus.
2. Ganciclovir is an antiviral drug. The drug is one of the most effective, rather difficult in practical use. The remedy is prescribed during the course of the disease - cytomegalovirus infection, complicated by particularly severe organ pathologies, rather extensive inflammation. It is also used to prevent viral infection, congenital CMV infection. Release form - tablets and crystalline powder from the group of polar hydrophilic solvents. For ophthalmic gel or injection, the drug is available as a lyophilisate. The use of Ganciclovir is advisable in the treatment of cytomegalovirus - a herpes infection.
3. Cytotect - immunoglobulin. For many patients, Cytotect seems to be one of the most optimal means for the treatment of cytomegaluvirus. The drug combines a fairly effective efficiency and an almost complete absence of general toxicity and relative contraindications. Prescribed for prophylaxis in patients with suppressed immune system drugs. Prevents mass manifestations of the disease after infection with CMVI. When applied, it can create: headaches; nausea and vomiting; chills and fever; joint pain and mild back pain; sometimes a decrease in blood pressure.
4. Neovir is an immunostimulant. Solution for injection, used as an immunostimulating drug for the treatment and prevention of cytomegalovirus infection in people with immunodeficiency.
5. Viferon is an immunomodulator. Candles with antiviral action. It is used for complications of infectious diseases, for primary inflammation, as well as for recurrence of cytomegalovirus infection of a localized form. The drug is applied rectally. When applied, it can cause an allergic reaction in the form of a skin rash.
6. Bischofite is an anti-inflammatory drug. Produced in the form of a balm (gel) in a tube or in a glass container in the form of a brine. It is applied topically as therapeutic mud or mineral water.

List of vitamins

1. C - Broad spectrum antioxidant. Stimulates the work of cells that eat bacteria and viruses in the blood. Increases the resistance of the human body to various infections through the resistance of cells to the penetration of infectious agents.
2. B9 - for the powerful maintenance of the production factory (bone marrow) of the human body's immune system.

The general rules for the treatment of cytomegalovirus include hospitalization of the patient in cases where it is absolutely necessary. Since during the treatment period the patient appears to be a very active source of viral infection for others, the patient must significantly limit any contact with people. Ensure maximum peace of mind. Provide the best necessary microclimate conditions. Observe strict rules of personal hygiene. Use a therapeutic and preventive diet.

With strict adherence to these rules and all the recommendations of the attending physician, you can rely on a fairly quick and most effective way to get rid of the infection and prevent complications and relapses.

Treatment with folk remedies

If a person heard that people were treated for cytomegalovirus by home medicine, then this is an erroneous idea that, thanks to traditional medicine, it is possible to cope with such a difficult task. Treatment of such an infection and all sorts of complications should not occur on its own without the supervision of a specialist. But it is quite advisable to support the immune system with folk remedies.