Active Vs. Inactive CMV & Pregnancy
Cytomegalovirus, or CMV, is typically a non-threatening virus. It is estimated, in the United States, that 50 to 80 percent of adults, by 40 years of age, have become infected with the CMV virus. The majority of the time the virus is dormant and rarely do individuals know they are affected. However, CMV can be dangerous if a women contracts CMV while she is pregnant.
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Definition
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Cytomegalovirus is a member of the herpes virus family. CMV is spread from person to person, through close or intimate contact with a person who is excreting the virus through bodily fluids. CMV can also be spread from a pregnant mother to the fetus.
Diagnosis
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CMV is not typically diagnosed as the virus produces few symptoms. If symptoms are present, they usually occur three to twelve weeks after initial exposure and last only around a week. The symptoms are a mild fever, swollen glands and a run-down feeling. If you have contracted CMV, there is no way to get rid of it, and it will stay, normally dormant, in the body. Individuals who have contracted CMV develop antibodies to the virus, and blood samples can be conducted to test for the antibodies.
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Inactive CMV in Pregnancy
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If the mother has inactive or dormant CMV during the pregnancy, there is little risk to the baby as long as the mother was infected at least six months prior to conception. Most women with CMV do not even know they have CMV and pregnant women are not routinely tested for the virus. As long as the CMV virus was contracted at least six months prior to conception, and the virus remains inactive during pregnancy, no tests or treatments are done on the fetus, and the rate of transfer to the newborn is about one percent.
Active CMV During Pregnancy
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If a mother contracts CMV during pregnancy or within six months of conception, the Organization of Teratology Information Service (OTIS) reports that, on average, 40 percent of mothers will transmit the virus to the fetus. If the mother is diagnosed with CMV while pregnant, an obstetrician can conduct an amniocentesis to check the amniotic fluid and blood for signs of infection. Once the baby is born, testing is conducted on saliva, blood or urine to see if the infection is present. If the mother is infected, there are currently no treatments to prevent the mother from passing the infection to the fetus. The March of Dimes reports that treating the mothers with immune globulin may prevent or lessen the symptoms, but further studies are needed.
If the baby is born with the CMV virus, he can suffer from enlarge liver and/or spleen, hearing and vision loss, mental disability, lung problems, bleeding disorders and overall growth problems.
Prevention
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In order to prevent getting CMV, The Center For Disease Control recommends pregnant women practice good personal hygiene, such as frequent hand washing with soap and warm water. Also, be aware that children under the age of six are more likely to come in contact with the virus. Do not kiss children ages six or under on the mouth. Do not share cups, drinks or utensils with anyone, especially if they are under the age of six. If you are in doubt as to whether you have the virus, may have the virus or have had the virus, ask your doctor or obstetrician for an antibodies test.
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References
- Photo Credit pregnancy image by AGphotographer from Fotolia.com
