Facts - Prevention - Testing - Terminology - FAQs - Tough Questions about CMV
Tough Questions about CMV
What is the connection between CMV and Herpes?
CMV is a member of the Herpesvirus family because it shares the similar characteristic of a latency period within the body, similar to Chicken Pox which is also classified as a Herpesvirus. CMV is not exclusively transmitted through genital (sexual) contact, like the Herpes simplex viruses (Genital herpes). In fact, CMV infections are frequently associated with salivary glands, with the earliest researchers finding CMV cells within the salivary glands of infected infants.
Herpes is a large family of DNA viruses that cause diseases in humans and animals. The members of this family are also known as Herpesviruses. Herpes is derived from the Greek word herpein ("to creep"), referring to the characteristic ability to remain latent within the body over long periods of time. While primary infection is often accompanied by a period of clinical illness, long-term latency is symptom-free.
Members of the herpesvirus family include the following:
- * Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) - Causes oral and occasionally genital cold-sores
- * Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) - Causes genital herpes
- * Varicella zoster virus (VZV) - Causes chickenpox and shingles
- * Cytomegalovirus (CMV) - Causes mononucleosis-like illness and infections
- * Human Herpes Virus 6 (HHV-6) - Causes roseola (a skin rash with associated fever)
- * Human Herpes Virus 7 (HHV-7) - Causes pityriasis rosea (a skin rash) and mononucleosis-like illness
- * Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) - Causes Infectious mononucleosis (glandular fever)
- * Kaposi’s sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV or HHV-8) - Causes Kaposi’s sarcoma, a form of skin cancer
Transmission of the herpesviruses varies, with most being transmitted through other modes and bodily fluids, such as saliva, urine, tears, blood, mucus, etc. and few being transmitted primarily through genital (sexual) contact.
CMV and HIVDo people with CMV or congenital CMV have HIV?
No, quite the opposite. CMV is a serious threat to patients with HIV and frequently causes serious disease and death to those with Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This is one of the most confusing issues surrounding CMV for those researching for CMV information online.
HIV is a virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), a condition in humans in which the immune system begins to fail, leading to life-threatening opportunistic infections. CMV is one of the most common opportunistic infections found in people with HIV, AIDS, or those who have undergone organ transplantation. For these people, CMV infection is a major cause of pneumonia, blindness, and death. Exposing these people to outside sources of CMV should be minimized to avoid the risk of serious infection.
Children with congenital CMVCan a child with congenital CMV give it to my child? What will happen to my child if they catch CMV?
Children born with congenital CMV pose no threat to their peers and no more of a threat to those at risk for CMV infection (ie. pregnant women) than would any other child. CMV is a very common virus in young children and children who get CMV from their peers will not experience the same outcome as those who are infected during pregnancy.
CMV is a very common virus in young children, not just those who are born with congenital CMV. CMV either has no symptoms or manifests as a fever, sore throat, swollen glands, or tiredness for less than a week. Children who get CMV from their peers will not experience the same outcome as those who are infected during pregnancy. They will not become deaf, disabled and will suffer no long-term medical effects from their exposure to CMV.
Most children with congenital CMV will shed the virus through the toddler and preschool age. Infants and children who acquire CMV after the newborn period may also shed CMV for a prolonged period of time. It is not necessary to determine if a child still has the active virus because it does not appear to influence or predict problems. Furthermore, daycares, preschools, schools, therapists, churches, and community members should not require a child to be tested for CMV shedding before being accepted into a program and should not discriminate against a child born with congenital CMV.
Pregnancy ConcernsShould I avoid children with congenital CMV while I'm pregnant?
Children born with congenital CMV are no more of a threat to pregnant women than other children. Pregnant women should take precautions around all babies and small children.
CMV is a very common virus in young children and it is estimated that up to 70 percent of healthy children between 1 and 3 years of age may have CMV. This can be transmitted to pregnant women via bodily fluids, including saliva, urine, tears, blood, mucus, etc.
Pregnant women are advised to take precautions around all babies and small children in order to prevent the transmission of CMV. They should wash their hands thoroughly after any contact with urine, nasal secretions and saliva of young children, including after changing diapers, wiping noses or drool, and picking up toys. Additionally, they should avoid kissing young children on the mouth or cheek and avoid sharing food, drinking glasses and eating utensils with young children.
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