Cytomegalovirus is a common herpes virus that mainly infects babies. Cytomegalovirus in babies causes a broad spectrum of mild to asymptomatic and life-threatening diseases. If pregnant women have a weak immune system, CMV is a concern. This virus can easily pass to babies, and they may experience symptoms.
The virus stays in the body for its entire life and re-infects anytime. In most cases, babies may not have symptoms, so it is difficult to recognize if a baby has the CMV virus. Continue reading to know more about cytomegalovirus, its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.
In This Article
- What Is Cytomegalovirus?
- Causes of Cytomegalovirus in Babies
- Symptoms of Cytomegalovirus in Babies
- Diagnosis of CMV Infection in Babies
- How Does CMV Affect Babies?
- Treatment Options For Cytomegalovirus in Babies
- Can Cytomegalovirus in Babies be Prevented?
- FAQ’s
What Is Cytomegalovirus?
Cytomegalovirus belongs to the family of herpes virus. This organism replicates our cell machinery and spreads infection into the body. Newborn babies with CMV virus infection may have mild symptoms or remain symptom-free.
However, they are still at greater risk of developmental challenges and deafness. Babies with low immune responses may catch serious illnesses. Usually, the virus remains inactive inside the body. But it can come into an active state and cause disease.
Causes of Cytomegalovirus in Babies
CMV in infants usually occurs due to the transfer of infection from a person. The virus usually spreads due to the following reasons:
- From an Infected Pregnant Mother to an Unborn Baby
- By contact with urine, semen, vaginal fluid, and saliva of the infected person.
- In the case of babies, it spreads through saliva and the mixing of body fluids.
- Newborn babies can also catch infection through breast milk and delivery time.
Symptoms of Cytomegalovirus in Babies
Some of the common symptoms of cytomegalovirus in babies include
- Swollen glands
- Fever
- Sweating
In some babies, symptoms don’t appear initially or even after months. However, the late signs and symptoms of CMV virus in babies include
- Developmental delay
- Hearing loss
- Weakened immunity
- Vision problems in some rare cases
A few more symptoms that are common in babies having congenital virus are:
- Low birth weight
- Premature birth
- Enlarged or malfunctioning liver
- Yellowish eyes and skin (jaundice)
- Purplish skin rash, splotches, or both
- Enlarged spleen
- Abnormally small head
- Seizures
- Pneumonia
- Anemia
Diagnosis of CMV Infection in Babies
Depending on symptoms, healthcare experts may order some detection tests to detect Cytomegalovirus infection in babies.
a. Urine Test
The doctor may use a urine sample to diagnose the CMV virus in babies. For sample collection, doctors may provide instructions regarding how to collect samples.
b. Blood Tests
Healthcare specialists use blood samples to diagnose the CMV virus in babies and adults.
c. Saliva Tests
A saliva test is usually recommended to diagnose CMV in babies. A small amount of saliva will be collected from the baby’s mouth for diagnosis.
d. IgM Assayed Test
The diagnosing procedure is generally performed through umbilical cord/baby blood after birth.
e. Additional Tests
Doctors may sometimes suggest brain imaging, MRI, and audio examination to find other effects in babies due to CMV infection.
How Does CMV Affect Babies?
The effect of Cytomegalovirus mat varies from baby to baby. Some babies remain asymptomatic for longer unless visible signs start appearing. However, the most common effects of CMV virus in babies include:
- Jaundice
- Growth restriction of organs
- Thrombocytopenia and Purpura
- Hematological problems
- Neutropenia, anemia, lymphocytosis in rare cases
- Neurological problems
- Lymphadenopathy
- Hepatosplenomegaly
- Weak sucking power and tone
- Microcephaly
- Seizures
- Cerebral calcification, commonly known as periventricular.
- Chorio-retinitis
- Deafness (this is the late sign of CMV virus in babies. Sensorineural hearing loss is the common problem associated with CMV virus)
- Dental defects
- Hepatitis
- Colitis
Treatment Options For Cytomegalovirus in Babies
Medical experts usually treat CMV in babies with antiviral medications such as valganciclovir (VGC) and ganciclovir (GCV). Doctors inject antiviral drugs into the veins or administer them as pills.
Treatment is mainly given to babies having compromised immune systems. Doctors may also suggest antivirus drug treatment for newborn babies who have symptoms of this virus. However, this virus may disappear without medicinal treatment in healthy babies with strong immunity.
These drugs help reduce the health problems in newborn babies born with cytomegalovirus. However, this treatment may not reverse the problems already affecting babies. In children, doctors may use occupational and also speech therapy to manage the side effects of developmental and hearing loss issues.
Can Cytomegalovirus in Babies be Prevented?
Avoid contact with an infected individual to prevent CMV infection. Here are some other specific ways to minimize the risk of CMV virus in babies.
- Avoid contact with body fluids such as tears and saliva.
- Do not put a used pacifier in your baby’s mouth. This may enhance the risk of getting infected with CMV virus.
- Wash your hands with soap before and also after changing your baby’s diaper.
- Use warm water to wash your baby’s clothes.
- Avoid kissing your baby on their lips.
- Avoid sharing food through the same utensils as it can spread infection.
- Carefully dispose of tissues, diapers, and other essentials that are contaminated. Be sure to wash your hands properly with soap after disposing.
- Sanitize and clean your baby’s toys regularly.
Cytomegalovirus in babies may result in developmental problems if left untreated. As soon as a symptom arises, seek medical attention for guidance. Also, to prevent the spreading of this virus, follow all the above-listed preventive measures and seek a doctor’s guidance if required.
FAQ’s
1. How do I Care For my Baby if They’re Diagnosed With Congenital CMV?
If your baby has been diagnosed with CMV virus after birth, immediately get assistance from a pediatrician for appropriate treatment. Follow all the precautionary measures provided by the experts. If your child faces hearing loss or developmental issues, doctors may start with speech therapy and other that help minimize the impact of hearing loss in the future.
2. What Questions Should I Ask a Doctor if my Baby Has CMV virus?
If your baby is diagnosed with Cytomegalovirus, ask your doctor the questions below.
- What treatment can I expect from doctors if my baby has a congenital CMV virus?
- Should my baby be tested for cytomegalovirus?
- How long does it take to recover if my baby has the CMV virus
- What type of precautions should I follow to prevent the spreading of CMV?
- What type of therapy works best for a baby suffering from CMV virus?
