Cytomegalovirus infection
Cytomegalovirus infection is a disease with a viral etiology, in which various organs and organ systems are affected. Cytomegalovirus infection develops as a result of penetration into the body of the cytomegalovirus of the same name, which belongs to the herpesvirus subfamily. Among the “neighbors” of cytomegalovirus, there are also simple herpes virus of both types, chickenpox virus, as well as Epstein-Barr virus, shingles.
The infection is quite contagious due to the high susceptibility of the human body to the pathogen. Based on this, there is a widespread spread of the virus and infection.
ETIOLOGY PATHOGENESIS
The causative agent of the disease is cytomegalovirus, which has a DNA structure. At the moment, scientists have identified several strains of the virus – Kerr, Davis and AD-169. The virus is stable in the external environment, when heated it is quickly inactivated, at room temperature it can maintain vital activity for a long time.
The source of the disease can only be a person. Both sick people and persons with viral carriers and suffering from a latent form of the disease will be contagious. Infectious and dangerous fluids – tears, saliva, urine, women’s secretions, seminal fluid, in general, all biological fluids of an infected person are dangerous.
Ways of transmission of cytomegalovirus infection – aerosol, airborne, with personal or household contact with the patient, vertical, transplacental.
Currently, more and more cases are registered with sexual transmission of the disease, as well as after surgery – during organ transplantation.
The virus enters the human body through various natural barriers of the body – through the mucous membranes of organs, through the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract. Once in the body, viruses are localized in human blood cells – leukocytes, phagocytes, where the further development of the virus occurs – that is, its replication. As a result, the affected cells increase, accumulating the virus.
There is a large risk group – HIV-infected patients. Since the immunity of such people is already depressed, cytomegalovirus infection is more severe and can lead to serious consequences.
SYMPTOMS OF CYTOMEGALOVIRUS INFECTION
Cytomegalovirus can affect absolutely any tissues and organs. In this regard , the following forms of the disease are distinguished:
The defeat of the respiratory system is accompanied by pneumonitis.
Defeat of the organs of the heppatobiliary system with mandatory liver damage and the development of viral hepatitis.
Defeat of the digestive system – pancreatitis.
Unspecified form of cytomegalovirus infection.
Mononucleosis-like syndrome.
Congenital mononucleosis.
Being in the human body with a normal immune system, the virus simply persists in the body for a long time or develops in a latent form. When there is an immune failure and a decrease in the body’s defenses, the virus is particularly activated, affecting one or another organ. Manifested by appropriate symptoms.
Of particular importance is cytomegalovirus, which affects a pregnant woman at different periods, which can lead to fetal death in utero (if infected in the early stages).
TREATMENT OF CYTOMEGALOVIRUS INFECTION
There is no etiotropic treatment for cytomegalovirus. Interferon and similar antiviral drugs are ineffective for the treatment of this infection, and in some cases can even have a negative effect on the body.
Scientists developing treatment against this disease note that at the moment it is possible to use human immunoglobulin in combination with immunomodulators.