cmv
Table of Contents
cytomegalovirus (CMV)
introduction
- CMV is a member of the Herpesviridae family
- ~60% of western populations have been infected with CMV, most are asymptomatic, but it may become reactivated if T-cell immunity falls
- appears to be the cause of glioblastoma multiforme 1)
- CMV proteins are highly expressed in over 90% of GBM tumors
primary CMV infection
- if symptomatic, incubation period is 9-60 days
- may cause:
- a flu-like illness with pharyngitis, perhaps mild pneumonitis with fine crackles
CMV infection in the immunocompromised
- may result in a mononucleosis syndrome and affect most organs in the body:
- rarely:
CMV reactivation
- CMV normally remains dormant but may become reactivated if T-lymphocyte mediated immunity becomes compromised as in:
- immunosuppressants such as azathioprine Rx
- CMV viraemia may then lead to:
- severe pneumonitis
- secondary haemophagocytic syndrome
- if CMV reactivation occurs during breastfeeding:
- the ensuing immune response may affect milk composition, neonatal gut flora with lower levels of beneficial flora, and impaired development of gut microbiome and impaired infant growth. 2)
cmv.txt · Last modified: 2024/07/29 03:13 by gary1