Cytomegalovirus is a type of herpes virus that most Americans are exposed to during their lives. It remains in the body forever but usually causes no harm beyond a mild flu-like infection of two weeks or less. For newborns or those with a weak immune system, the virus can have life-threatening complications.
Blindness
One common complication of cytomegalovirus is CMV retitinitis. MedlinePlus explains that symptoms range from mildly blurry vision to total blindness in both eyes. Some sufferers have no symptoms at first, only noticing blurry sight or blind spots when the infection has been present for weeks or months. CMV retinitis is a serious manifestation that is most often found in individuals with late-stage acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Bleeding Ulcers
CMV can attack the gastrointestinal tract, causing bleeding ulcers in the intestinal tract or esophagus. Symptoms of these ulcers include pain, bloody or dark-colored diarrhea and anemia from blood loss. Fatigue, pale skin, a rapid pulse and difficulty breathing may signal this type of anemia.
Liver Inflammation
CMV can attack the liver, causing a lengthy case of hepatitis. Symptoms include a prolonged fever and overwhelming fatigue. This condition can deteriorate into liver failure.
Seizures
Some patients experience CMV with neurological involvement. This can lead to encephalitis, a potentially dangerous brain inflammation. Symptoms include seizures, unusual behavior and, eventually, coma.
Pneumonia
Occasionally, cytomegalovirus invades the lungs. This leads to CMV pneumonia, a condition that can cause difficulty breathing and lowered oxygen levels in the blood. Fatigue, fever and coughing may be present.
Fetal and Newborn Complications
A fetus exposed to cytomegalovirus by an active infection in the mother may be miscarried or die in the womb. Most newborns who are exposed to CMV suffer no permanent injury, but a relative few have significant illness or permanent disability. These health problems may not become apparent for several years. The American Academy of Family Physicians describes mental retardation and hearing loss as two possible consequences of prenatal transmission of cytomegalovirus. Babies with this infection may have difficulty gaining weight and suffer life-long liver, blood and lung problems.
References
- Directors of Health Promotion and Education: Cytomegalovirus
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Cytomegalovirus
- MedlinePlus: Cytomegalovirus Retinitis
- "Medical-Surgical Nursing"; Donna Ignatavicius, M.S., R.N. and Linda Workman, Ph.D., R.N.; 2002
