CMV - immunocompromised host
Definition
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a member of a group of herpes-type viruses that can cause disease in different parts of the body in persons with weakened immune systems.
Alternative Names
Cytomegalovirus - immunocompromised hostCauses
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:
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
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