What is cytomegalovirus, and how can it be a problem in pregnancy?

Takeaways

• Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a virus that could be spread out by sexual get in touch with, along with through infected blood, saliva, or urine.
• CMV is one of the most usual infection passed from moms to their babies throughout pregnancy.
• Congenital CMV infection could bring about a host of issues in infants, consisting of stillbirth as well as deafness.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is an infection that can be spread out by sex-related call, in addition to with infected blood, spit, or urine. While this infection does not typically lead to major issues in grownups, it is the most typical infection mothers pass to their babies during pregnancy.

CMV infection in adults is normally not an issue. Lots of people won"t reveal any type of signs, or they might have unclear ones, like fever, aches, and bigger lymph nodules. As soon as contaminated, the virus stays in an individual"s body and also can create a recurring infection at another time.

The rate of pregnant women infected with CMV for the very first time varies based upon a few things: where she lives, her ethnic background, as well as her socioeconomic standing. In the United States, in general, regarding 0.7 to 4 percent of pregnant females will contract the virus throughout maternity for the very first time, as well as one more 13 percent will certainly have a reoccurring infection.

The infection could cross the placenta and also infect the child after a first or recurrent infection, or throughout direct exposure from giving birth or breastfeeding (though it is exposure in the uterus that causes the majority of the troubles). CMV infection is the most typical congenital infection in infants. In overall, 0.2 to 2.2 percent of babies are influenced by CMV.

CMV can lead to a host of problems in children, including jaundice, reduced platelet matters, an enlarged liver, restricted development, swelling of the heart muscle, irregular fluid collections throughout the physical body, hearing problems, as well as stillbirth. When a mommy is infected for the very first time in maternity, she has a 30 to 40 percent chance of passing it to her infant, and that risk is greatest if she comes to be contaminated in the 3rd trimester. Babies have even worse outcomes if they are exposed previously on in the initial trimester. Of those children drastically affected, about 30 percent will pass away, as well as as much as 80 percent will certainly have long-lasting troubles from the infection.

Diagnosing CMV in pregnant women can be done with a blood or pee test, normally repeated over a collection of a couple of weeks to see if antibodies to CMV develop. If there are worries that a fetus is infected (either based upon a mommy"s symptoms, examinations, or irregular ultrasound searchings for), an amniocentesis can be done to verify this, though it is not a perfect examination for this sort of infection.

If diagnosed, there are no treatments for either pregnant females or their fetuses. These babies will certainly often be followed more closely with additional ultrasounds as well as will have to be carefully examined after birth.

Since there are presently no injections or therapies for CMV, expecting ladies are encouraged to practice great hygiene, consisting of secure sex practices as well as complete hand washing. This is specifically essential for those in frequent call with young kids, that typically acquire CMV and could spread out it.

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What is cytomegalovirus, and how can it be a problem in pregnancy?