CMV Prophylaxis

CMV General Information

CMV is the acronym for Cytomegalovirus, a very common virus that infects a very large number of the current population. In most cases, the infection takes place during childhood, and by the age of 40 most adults are infected with the virus. However, in most cases the infection is asymptomatic and does not cause any health related problems, and in many cases the infection is never detected as the virus remains in a dormant state in the patient’s body.

In rare cases, especially in individuals who have a weakened immune system due to medication or to certain medical conditions, the virus may become active and cause severe health problems and permanent disabilities. In pregnant women who suffer from an active infection, the condition may also affect the unborn child causing congenital health problems, with the possibility of permanent disabilities.

Certain antiviral medications may be employed in patients who have a weakened immune system, and also in newborn babies; however this does not guarantee success and may also cause unwanted side effects. The presence of the virus in the organism can be detected by serologic testing; however at this time, there is no general cure for CMV. Scientists are researching medication and preventive vaccines; however no conclusive results have been reached at this time.

CMV Prophylaxis

CMV Prophylaxis mainly refers to maintaining a proper hygiene in order to avoid contacting the virus. The persons who work in medical institutions and those who frequently come in contact with children are at a higher risk than other individuals; in such situations special measures ought to be taken in order to prevent infection.

Careful washing of the hands with soap and water is one of the basic means of preventing infections. In the case of people who regularly come in contact with children, their diapers, saliva or other secretions, thoroughly washing their hands after each contact is mandatory for CMV Prophylaxis. This is of even higher importance if the respective child or children attend child care. Also, you should be careful and avoid contact with the children’s saliva or tears when kissing them, and you should avoid touching your face, eyes and mucous membranes until you have properly washed your hands (after disposing of the child’s diapers, used tissues and other such disposable items contaminated with bodily fluids).Using the same glasses, cups, kitchen utensils and generally any item and surface that comes in contact with the child’s secretions should be avoided. Properly cleaning the items and surfaces with a disinfecting agent after each use is recommended and very important for CMV Prophylaxis. The Cytomegalovirus can survive enough on surfaces as to be transmitted to another individual.

As an experimental CMV Prophylaxis measure, researchers have developed a vaccine for females who consider becoming pregnant. This vaccine may prove useful in preventing the development of congenital abnormalities in babies at birth. In patients with a weakened immune system, antiviral medication may be administered in order to prevent an outburst of Cytomegalovirus disease. This virus can be transmitted through sexual intercourse as well. The pathogen may also be transmitted through the body’s secretions, and may infect the person susceptible to the infection through small lesions in the skin or even directly through the mucous membranes. Proper protection during sexual activity is recommended in order to prevent the infection, mainly through the use of latex condoms. Apart from protection against Cytomegalovirus, these offer protection against a wide range of sexually transmitted diseases, and should be used constantly to ensure protection against a variety of health problems.

There have been situations in which the virus has been transmitted to a previously healthy patient through surgery, organ transplant or blood transfusions – although these situations are rare. However, due to the fact that this infection is widespread and asymptomatic, healthy children are not separated from infected ones in schools and institutions, and likewise infected patients are hospitalized along with non-infected patients in hospitals and clinical facilities. This enables the transmission of the disorder.

CMV Treatment

Infections with CMV are the most common viral diseases encountered in newborn babies, and probably the most widespread infection throughout the world. However, there is no generic cure for this infection. In the vast majority of cases, no treatment is ever needed as the virus remains dormant in the human organism and never causes any symptoms or health problems. In such cases, preventive treatment is also not necessary.

In newborn babies and in patients that have a compromised immune system, the CMV infection may cause some symptoms. In such situations the examining health care professional may prescribe a treatment with antiviral medication, which will hinder the virus’ replication and may provide relief for the symptoms. However, these medications do not cure the infection. Symptomatic treatment is possible, and will vary greatly from one case to another. As such, the examining health care specialist will decide what the best symptomatic treatment for each situation is, taking into account the particularities of the case as well as the patient’s age, general health condition and medical history. If you would like more information regarding why you have been prescribed a certain drug, along with information about its action, intake guidelines and possible side effects, it is advised that you consult the prescribing health care professional, a pharmacist or a nurse.