You might be wondering, what is this cytomegalovirus? This rather complicated name is a close relative of a well-known “little guy” to many people, the herpes virus. But since it is a disease caused by a virus, there is little that can be done while it is active in the body. We can only treat the symptoms.
The problem arises when cytomegalovirus enters a pregnant woman’s body. It can cause problems for the mother, but especially for the baby. So learn what this virus can cause in the baby, what the symptoms are, how it is transmitted, and get answers to other common questions about the topic.
What is cytomegalovirus
Cytomegalovirus1 is a viral disease from the herpes family. Just like herpes, it is common in the population and can remain inactive in the body for a while. You know those oral herpes flare-ups? Cytomegalovirus outbreaks occur in a similar way.
How do you catch cytomegalovirus
The virus is transmitted from person to person through bodily fluids such as saliva, blood, vaginal secretions, and even tears. Contrary to what is believed, a large part of the population contracts this virus at some point in their lives. About 80 to 90% of the world’s population, making it an extremely common disease.
One extremely important precaution to mention is safety in sexual relations. Using condoms is extremely important to prevent the spread of this disease, since as with other diseases, you cannot tell who has it just by their appearance.
Main symptoms
Fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, swelling of the spleen and/or liver, fatigue, and abdominal pain. In pregnant women, an important symptom is pain in the glands of the armpits and breasts. Fever below 38°C and body aches.
Blood tests can show if you have had the disease at any time in your life. In most cases, people don’t even realize they have been infected with the virus. The big problem is when this cytomegalovirus infection occurs during pregnancy or shortly before becoming pregnant. That’s because the virus can cross the placenta and transmit the disease to the baby. The baby, in turn, is still developing and does not have antibodies or any way to fight the disease on its own.
Risks for the Baby During Pregnancy
Cytomegalovirus during pregnancy can cause various problems and after-effects in the fetus, including: deafness, blindness, intellectual disability, epilepsy, and others2. However, sometimes the infection can be harmless. We can say that the severity of the disease varies from case to case.
It’s important to remember that if a woman has already been infected with the virus previously, the chances of having any problem with the baby drop drastically. The most concerning cases, and those with the highest risk of problems for the baby, are in women who contract the disease for the first time during pregnancy because of how aggressively it enters the body.
Can a Baby Be Born with Cytomegalovirus?
Yes, a baby can be born with cytomegalovirus. In addition to being infected in the womb, a baby can also contract cytomegalovirus at the time of birth. That’s why it’s important for the mother to get tested for antibodies against the disease as soon as she finds out she’s pregnant, and periodically throughout pregnancy, so the infection can be treated during pregnancy3. In fact, treatment for this virus is based on antivirals (Acyclovir) and immunoglobulin injections.
Tests to Diagnose the Disease
Cytomegalovirus can be detected in both mother and baby through a blood test. In this case, IgG and IgM for the disease can make all the difference. Here’s what these results mean:
IgM and IgG both nonreactive means the person has never had contact with the disease and should be very careful; infection can occur at any time.
Negative IgM and positive IgG means the woman has been exposed to the disease before and has built up antibodies, so the baby is not at risk.
Positive IgM and negative IgG means the person has come into contact with the virus and is currently in the infection process, but does not yet have antibodies. This is the most concerning type during pregnancy, since the baby can become infected via the disease. In this situation, the doctor should order another test to check for possible exposure of the baby and, if possible, treat the infection.
For women who have already had the disease, a recurrence is not dangerous during pregnancy, but women who have never been exposed should take extra precautions. Among them washing hands constantly and using condoms during sexual relations.
Also avoid using other people’s cups, plates, or cutlery, use your own manicure set, do not share toothpicks or other items that can be contaminated. Extra care should be taken when using public restrooms.
Can Women with Cytomegalovirus Breastfeed?
Yes, unless the baby is premature, however, contact between a mother carrying cytomegalovirus and her baby is not restricted. The biggest problem is when the baby is developing in the uterus. For babies who have already been born, there are no major problems; the consequences are smaller than for developing babies.
See also: Streptococcus Test – Is It Necessary? Photo: Patricil Complex, Newborn Isaac
