Symptoms of Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Symptoms of cytomegalovirus (CMV) vary widely depending on the age and immune status of the person infected. In healthy individuals, cytomegalovirus (CMV) is often asymptomatic or causes only mild, flu-like symptoms. However, in immunocompromised individuals or infants with congenital infection, CMV can lead to serious and sometimes life-threatening complications.
Symptoms in Healthy Adults
Most healthy adults who contract CMV for the first time may experience:
Fatigue
Fever
Sore throat
Swollen glands
Muscle aches
Headache
These symptoms are often mistaken for glandular fever (mononucleosis) and usually resolve within a few weeks. Many people do not realise they’ve had CMV at all.
Symptoms in Immunocompromised Individuals
In people with weakened immune systems, symptoms can be severe and affect multiple organs:
Lung inflammation (pneumonitis)
Liver inflammation (hepatitis)
Gastrointestinal ulcers
Brain inflammation (encephalitis)
Retinitis, which can lead to blindness
These complications often require hospitalisation and antiviral therapy. Without prompt treatment, CMV disease can lead to organ failure or death.
Congenital CMV Symptoms | Symptoms of Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Babies infected in the womb may be born with or develop symptoms later. These include:
Low birth weight
Jaundice
Enlarged liver and spleen
Microcephaly (small head)
Seizures
Feeding difficulties
Hearing loss and vision impairment
Developmental delays
Some infants show no signs at birth but may develop hearing loss or cognitive issues months or years later.
Chronic and Recurrent Symptoms
In some people, particularly those with chronic illnesses, CMV may cause persistent low-grade symptoms such as fatigue or malaise. Reactivation may occur if the immune system weakens later in life.
In summary, symptoms of cytomegalovirus (CMV) can range from negligible to life-threatening. Recognising the early signs, especially in high-risk groups, is crucial for early diagnosis and effective treatment.
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