piwis78
14.10.09, 12:35
CMV - immunocompromised host
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CMV (cytomegalovirus)
Antibodies
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Immune response
Antibody
AIDS
Bone marrow transplant
Chemotherapy
CMV - pneumonia
Viral gastroenteritis
Cytomegalovirus retinitis
Encephalitis
WBC count
Meningitis Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a member of a group of herpes-
type viruses that can cause disease in different parts of the body
in people with weakened immune systems.
Causes
Most humans are exposed to CMV in their lifetime, but typically only
individuals with weakened immune systems become ill from CMV
infection. Usually, CMV produces no symptoms. However, serious CMV
infections can occur in people with weakened immune systems due to
AIDS, organ transplants, bone marrow transplant, chemotherapy, or
medicines that suppress the immune system.
A CMV infection may affect different parts of the body. Infections
include:
CMV esophagitis
CMV gastroenteritis
CMV retinitis
CMV pneumonia
Mononucleosis -like illness
Once a person becomes infected, the virus remains alive, but usually
dormant, within that person's body for life. Rarely does it cause
recurrent disease, unless the person's immune system is suppressed
due to medication or disease. Therefore, for most people, CMV
infection is not a serious problem.
Primary CMV infection in pregnant women can cause harm to the
developing fetus. See: Congenital cytomegalovirus