Causes of Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Causes of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection are rooted in exposure to bodily fluids from an infected person. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is contagious but not highly infectious; it generally requires close or prolonged contact to transmit. It spreads silently and often without symptoms, making it difficult to identify the source of infection.
Routes of Transmission
CMV is found in many bodily fluids, and transmission occurs through:
Saliva: Common in young children who share toys or utensils
Urine: Particularly among infants and toddlers in daycare settings
Blood transfusions or organ transplants: From donors who carry the virus
Sexual contact: Through semen or vaginal fluids
Breast milk: Especially in premature babies
Vertical transmission: From mother to baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding
Congenital CMV, which occurs when a baby is infected in the womb, is a leading infectious cause of birth defects and developmental disabilities.
Risk Factors
Although most CMV infections are harmless, some individuals are at greater risk:
Pregnant women: Primary infection during pregnancy can pass to the unborn baby
Infants, particularly those born prematurely or with low birth weight
Immunocompromised individuals: Such as organ transplant recipients or people with HIV/AIDS
Healthcare and childcare workers: Due to frequent exposure to bodily fluids
Reactivation of latent CMV can occur in people whose immune systems become weakened due to illness or medications. In these cases, the virus that has been dormant re-emerges and causes complications.
Congenital Infection | Causes of Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Congenital CMV occurs when a mother is infected during pregnancy. This can result in:
Miscarriage or stillbirth
Developmental delays
Vision or hearing loss
Seizures and cerebral palsy
Geographic and Demographic Factors
CMV is found worldwide and is more common in lower-income populations or regions where hygiene and sanitation are limited. Seroprevalence (the rate of previous exposure) increases with age.
In conclusion, causes of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections are linked to exposure to infected bodily fluids and reactivation in immunosuppressed individuals. Understanding the routes and risks of transmission is essential for prevention and timely intervention.
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