Cytomegalovirus: CMV Virus in Newborns

The cytomegalovirus or CMV virus is a member of the herpes virus group. CMV virus causes the largest number of viral infections in humans. The CMV virus is present in blood, urine, saliva, respiratory secretions, tears, feces, breast milk, semen and cervical secretions. The cytomegalovirus or CMV virus infection is very common in children. Women who have has a CMV virus infection should not be much concerned about their pregnancy, but infection of CMV during pregnancy is a cause of concern. CMV in pregnancy can be passed on from the mother to the baby. It may also be passed on to the baby by a breastfeeding mother. In this case, it is called as congenital cytomegalovirus or cytomegalovirus inclusion disease. In majority of the cases of CMV virus in newborns develop no serious problems. However, sometimes it may grow into a serious illness and lead to a life-long disability or death. Let us know more on CMV virus in newborns.

CMV Virus Infection
In most of the cases, CMV virus in newborns and babies is asymptomatic. Most women of childbearing age develop CMV virus infection about 6 months before becoming pregnant. When there is a first infection of CMV virus in pregnancy, there are higher risk of CMV complications developing in the baby. It is seen that there are 5 to 10% cases of congenital CMV virus in babies. The serious complications related to CMV virus in newborns include:

• Hearing loss
• Visual impairment
• Mental retardation
• Epilepsy
• Autism

Symptoms of Cytomegalovirus in Infants
Most of the infections of CMV virus in newborns do not show any visible symptoms. However, the following symptoms may point out towards cytomegalovirus in infants.

• Jaundice, that is yellow skin and eyes
• Purple skin rash or splotches or both
• Low child birth weight
• Enlarged spleen
• Enlarged and poor function of the liver
• Pneumonia
• Seizures

About 1 newborn in 100 infected with CMV virus infection are found to be ill at birth. These children are very ill and develop permanent disabilities. You may find a baby is healthy at birth, but develops symptoms of CMV virus in few months or years after birth. The most late signs of cytomegalovirus in infants is hearing loss.

Other Ways of Contracting Cytomegalovirus
Other than CMV in pregnancy, CMV virus infection can be contracted through many other ways. It is present in human body fluids like saliva and respiratory secretions. Thus, coming in contact with an infected person or surface can be a way of passing the CMV virus infections. They can be easily passed on by sharing a glass or eating utensil. Therefore, it is very common to pass on the CMV in infants and CMV in babies at nurseries and day care centers. Most of the women contract a first time CMV infection in pregnancy through their own toddlers and babies. This first time CMV infection in pregnancy can be very dangerous for the unborn child.

Protection from CMV in Newborns
If you have pre-schoolers or toddlers at home that attend daycare, it is very important to get yourself tested for CMV virus infection. If you are pregnant and never had a CMV virus infection, then avoid kissing young children, even your own, near the mouth and cheek. If your test turns out to be negative, make sure you follow all the guidelines of your doctor. Handle your and the body fluids of your children with care. Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly after handling baby diapers, not sharing utensils with your kids and coming in contact with anyone you suspect may have CMV virus infections. Although it may sound very grave not kissing and sharing with your own children, it is just a precautionary measure for the safety of the unborn child and a part of baby care.

Vaccines for CMV Virus Infections
There is no cure or vaccine for the CMV virus infection. There is a drug named ganciclovir that helps cure some infections of CMV in newborns. You should always discuss the options of using this drug for the CMV in infants and follow the medical advice.

This is something about the cytomegalovirus; CMV virus in newborns. Every hour one child becomes disabled permanently due to congenital CMV. 1 in every 150 children born in America are born with cytomegalovirus. It is known as the leading cause of non-hereditary deafness and one of the causes of cerebral palsy in children. The second largest cause of mental retardation and Down syndrome is CMV virus in newborns. These spine chilling facts need immediate attention about CMV virus from your doctor, if pregnant. Do not take this silent virus lightly, CMV virus in newborns may prove to be a life altering illness for your child.