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Pediatric cytomegalovirus (CMV)

Overview

What is pediatric cytomegalovirus (CMV)?

Pediatric cytomegalovirus (cy·​to·​meg·​a·​lo·​vi·​rus) or CMV is a very common herpes virus, but can cause serious problems for newborns.

Types

What are the different types of pediatric cytomegalovirus (CMV)?

  • Congenital is passed along to the unborn baby during pregnancy.

  • Perinatal is passed along to a newborn during delivery or through breastmilk.

Signs and Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of pediatric cytomegalovirus (CMV)?

Congenital CMV

  • Broken blood vessels (under the skin)

  • Eye problems

  • Hearing loss

  • Small head

  • Enlarged liver and spleen

  • Jaundice

Most newborns do not have symptoms. 

Perinatal CMV

  • Abnormal blood test results

  • Enlarged liver and spleen

  • Pneumonitis (swelling of the lungs)

Symptoms are usually seen in very premature or sick newborns between 3 weeks - 6 months.

Diagnosis

How is pediatric cytomegalovirus (CMV) diagnosed?

  • Amniotic fluid testing

  • Blood work (CBC, liver function)

  • CT

  • Eye exam

  • Hearing test

  • Saliva and urine cultures

Causes

What are the causes of pediatric cytomegalovirus (CMV)?

The CMV virus is spread from person to person by contact with infected saliva, semen, urine and vaginal fluid.

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