Viruses detected in the saliva of a child. Cytomegalovirus infection. Causes and ways of infection

Cytomegalovirus infection (CMVI) is a viral infectious disease. It is caused by a DNA-containing virus - Cytomegalovirus hominis, belonging to the herpesvirus family, which includes Epstein-Bar, chickenpox and others. The CMVI virus can be found in various parts of the human body, but CMVI is most likely to settle in the salivary glands.

The causative agent of the disease, after entering the human body, multiplies in the cells of the infected. CMVI is species-specific for humans, characterized by slow replication, reduced virulence, low interferon-producing activity. The virus is thermolabile, but retains virulence at room temperature.

Why is cytomegalovirus dangerous in children

When a child is healthy, cytomegalovirus often does not manifest itself. However, the virus is deadly for people with immunodeficiencies: HIV patients, people with transplants, expectant mothers and newborns. After infection, the cytomegalovirus virus can remain hidden in the body for a long time (latent form). A person will practically not be able to suspect the presence of this infection, but he is a carrier of cytomegalovirus. Cytomegalovirus provokes such life-threatening complications as: inflammation of the brain (encephalitis); diseases of the respiratory system (for example, pneumonia of a viral nature); inflammatory and viral diseases in the digestive tract (enterocolitis, hepatitis) and so on.

The worst outcome of the latent course of CMVI is malignant neoplasms.

This viral disease affects both children and adults. The child is often infected while still in the womb, through the uterus or placenta. When primary infection with CMVI occurs in the early stages of pregnancy, this can quickly lead to the death of the fetus, at a later date, the child continues to grow, but CMVI, in one way or another, affects the quality of its intrauterine development. Congenital cytomegalovirus infection may develop, or infection may occur during childbirth. If the infection recurs, the risk of infection of the fetus is lower, but treatment is required. In accordance with each specific case, it is necessary to develop a suitable tactic for managing pregnancy.

Cytomegalovirus infection in a child: symptoms and treatment

The manifested signs of the disease in infants are very similar to the symptoms of a common cold: fatigue, fever, inflammation in the pharynx, hypertrophy of the tonsils.

Usually, with a good state of immunity, cytomegalovirus is in a latent form, without any clinical signs. Whereas during the period of reduced immunity, generalized forms of the disease develop.

Congenital cytomegalovirus in a child: symptoms

Both in children and in adults, the manifestations of CMVI often look like an ordinary acute respiratory disease. Symptoms are usually as follows: runny nose, fever, swollen lymph nodes, swelling of the throat, sometimes pneumonia, severe fatigue, manifestations of disorders in the endocrine glands, liver, and gastrointestinal tract.

Another of the consequences of cytomegalovirus is the disease mononucleosis, accompanied by fever, weakness, and fatigue. In the most severe cases, the disease affects all major organs.

Congenital infection with CMVI in a child leads to disturbances in physical and mental development. In addition, cytomegalovirus often leads to death, diseases in the perinatal period and delayed disorders in organs and systems. About 40-50% of newborns from mothers who were initially infected with CMVI during gestation have intrauterine infection, of which 5-18% have clinical manifestations from the first hours of life. In 25-30% of cases of congenital infection with cytomegalovirus, a fatal outcome occurs. 80% of those who survive have significant neurological impairment. However, most of the infants infected with cytomegalovirus in the womb do not have severe clinical symptoms of the disease at birth, but unfortunately, in 10-15% of them, the consequences will manifest themselves later in the form of hearing impairment, visual impairment to complete blindness, and intellectual retardation. , convulsions.

Cytomegalovirus in children: causes and routes of infection

The virus can hide in the human body for a long time without showing itself. But in a situation where the immune system fails, the cytomegalovirus wakes up and causes the disease.

In adults, the virus is transmitted sexually, and children become infected with it while still in the womb or during the passage of the birth canal. But you can get infected later: the transmission occurs in domestic conditions with blood or saliva.

According to WHO statistics, about 2.5% of newborns in Europe become infected with cytomegalovirus. In Russia, the figures are higher - about 4% of children born with symptoms of the disease. Children born from mothers who suffer from cytomegalovirus infection for the first time and in an acute form are immediately prescribed an analysis for antibodies to CMVI. Intrauterine infection with cytomegalovirus is detected according to statistics in 0.4-2.3% of born children.

Signs and diagnosis of cytomegalovirus in an infant

In most newborns with congenital cytomegalovirus infection, signs of positive cytomegalovirus are not visible externally. They have temporary signs of the disease, which, after a certain time, will leave without a trace. Only a few people have the symptoms of congenital CMVI persist for life.

Diagnosis of cytomegalovirus in an infant is difficult, therefore, if infection is suspected, a blood test for antibodies is taken to detect antibodies to CMVI.

The diagnosis is established by an infectious disease specialist or therapist, guided by the results of special studies. For example, the polymerase chain reaction. You can check blood, saliva, samples from the vagina and cervix, amniotic fluid (during pregnancy). Another method of research for the presence of cytomegalovirus is immune, according to the reaction of the child's immune system. Testing for cytomegalovirus infection is recommended for women planning to become pregnant.

Sometimes a positive cytomegalovirus has signs that are noticeable immediately in the process of birth, although more often the consequences are detected months or even years later. Usually this is a complete loss of vision and hearing.

Temporary signs of the disease include: damage to the liver, spleen of the lungs, yellowing of the mucous membranes of the eyes and skin, purple-cyanotic spots on the skin, reduced weight.

Constant signs of CMVI in newborns are: blindness, deafness, small head, mental retardation, impaired coordination, death.

CMVI should be distinguished from type 6 herpes. Despite the similarity of the clinical manifestations of these two varieties of herpes viruses, herpes type 6 has serious differences. It is important not to miss the following warning signs:

1. An increase in temperature to 39-40 C, which does not steadily decrease for three to five days.
2. There are no signs of SARS or intestinal infection.
3. Roseola on the body appear red rashes.
4. Convulsions due to high temperature.
5. SARS on the tonsils - herpetic sore throat.
6. Inflammation such as stomatitis in the oral cavity.
7. neurological disorders.

If the manifestations of the herpes virus type 6 are not noticed in a timely manner, then the child risks getting severe lesions in the spinal cord or brain. In infants, complications from type 6 herpes lead to death. It is urgent to call a doctor in order to start the necessary medical care for the child on time.

Diagnosis of cytomegalovirus infection in children

How to treat cytomegalovirus infection in children

Ill expectant and nursing mothers and children are boosted by immunity and prescribed specialized antiviral drugs. In this case, the main focus is on improving immunity. What are immunostimulant medicinal plants (such as echinacea, leuzea, ginseng and others), dietary supplements (for example, Immunal), immunostimulant medicinal plants (such as echinacea, leuzea, ginseng and others), balanced nutrition (minerals and trace elements), necessarily including fresh vegetables and fruits (vitamins), frequent walks in the fresh air and regular physical activity. To prevent infection of children with cytomegalovirus, it is necessary to provide them with proper nutrition, engage in physical education with them, avoid contact with the sick and observe hygiene.

Treatment of cytomegalovirus in children with folk methods

1. A mixture of licorice root, alder cones, kopek root, leuzea root, chamomile flowers, string grass - in equal proportions. Prepare two tablespoons of a mixture of chopped herbs, pour 0.5 liters of boiled water and leave in a thermos overnight. Reception: a third or a quarter of a glass, 3-4 times a day.
2. Garlic and onions help children cope with the virus, especially during the fall and winter cold season. At this time, it is recommended to put a clove of garlic or several onion rings in food every day.
3. Aromatherapy - spraying tea tree oil in an apartment creates a microclimate that is favorable for health.
4. Aspen and alder bark, as well as dandelion root, take one to one. Pour a tablespoon of the collection with 0.6 liters of boiling water and simmer for five minutes over low heat. Reception: 2 tablespoons twice a day before meals.

After entering the body, it begins to actively multiply and settles in nerve cells.

The manifestation of symptoms occurs only during a period of weakened immunity, while in healthy children the presence of CMV in the body is not dangerous.

Ways of infection

The specificity of CMV is that it is found in almost all body fluids (blood, urine, saliva, sputum, sweat, vaginal mucus, semen), so it is very easy for a small, unprotected organism to become infected. Ways of transmission of herpes type 5:

• antenatal - transplacental from mother to fetus;
• intranatal - from mother to child during passage through the birth canal;
• postnatal - by airborne droplets or by contact, with blood transfusion, through the mother's breast milk.

Transplacental infection is considered the most dangerous, since the virus penetrates into the amniotic fluid and affects almost all organs and systems of the fetal body.

Symptoms when infected

• fever, chills;
• runny nose;
• cough;
• enlarged lymph nodes;
• muscle and headache;
• fast fatiguability;
• enlargement of the palatine and pharyngeal tonsils.

Such symptoms can last from 2 weeks to several months and do not require hospitalization and specific treatment.

Features of the course in children of different age groups

The most severe course of cytomegalovirus infection in children is observed in the congenital form of the disease. The immune system in newborns is very weak, so the virus can easily infect the baby's body and cause disorders and defects that will remain for life.

In the postpartum period, infection most often occurs from parents and is asymptomatic. Most become carriers of CMV between the ages of 2 and 6, when they begin to have more contact with other children and go to preschool. The course of the disease during this period is more reminiscent of ARVI, and only if symptoms persist for a long time, a suspicion of type 5 herpes may arise.

After 6-7 years, the immune system finally stabilizes and can actively resist various infections. Primary infection during this period is often asymptomatic, after which the virus remains in the body in a "sleeping" form.

Why is CMV dangerous for children

For a healthy child with strong immunity, type 5 herpes is not dangerous, the virus simply lives in the body and does not interfere with its carrier. CMV is dangerous for children with a congenital form of the infection, a weakened immune system or immunodeficiency.

Complications

Children with an asymptomatic course of congenital infection and active CMV in the blood are most susceptible to the development of complications. A few months after birth, they may experience the following complications:

• convulsions;
• violation of motor activity;
• insufficient body weight;
• damage to the heart and liver;
• micro or hydrocephalus.

If the virus has penetrated the vital systems of the body, then in the first 10 years of life, serious disorders may occur:

• mental retardation;
• partial or complete deafness and blindness;
• violation of the formation of teeth;
• speech disorder;
• hepatitis;
• neuromuscular disorders;
• poor development of the cardiovascular system.

The acquired form of the infection does not give similar complications in children with strong immunity. If the body is weakened, then the virus can affect the lungs, liver, heart and kidneys, and the disease itself acquires a chronic relapsing character.

The well-known doctor Komarovsky considers CMV not dangerous for children, except for cases of congenital infection, which can cause. carried out and, but the main method of combating type 5 herpes is to maintain the normal immunity of a pregnant woman.

Under normal conditions, the expectant mother's immune system is able to produce enough antibodies that will protect both her and the baby.

Diagnostic measures

Diagnosis cannot be based solely on the clinical picture of the disease, since in many cases the infection is asymptomatic.

General clinical examination methods

An examination for CMV begins with an examination by a doctor who will conduct a differential diagnosis with similar diseases (rubella, pneumonia, etc.) and prescribe the following laboratory tests:

• general ;
• general urine analysis;
• cytoscopy of urine or saliva;
• virological culture from a urine or throat sample.

General analyzes of urine and blood will show the intensity of the inflammatory process in the body, cytoscopy - the presence of cells of a characteristic giant size in the samples under study, and the inoculation of a culture of viruses will tell about their activity.

Serological examination methods

To clarify the diagnosis, determine the infection and the degree of CMV activity, serological studies are carried out. These include:

1. ELISA()- detection of protective antibodies Ig G and Ig M in the blood serum. The presence of both immunoglobulins indicates the presence of immunity to the virus, the presence of Ig M - about the primary infection, and Ig G - about the virus carrier. If, upon re-analysis, the amount of Ig G is increased, this indicates the activation of herpes. The absence of protective antibodies indicates that CMV is not detected in the blood.
2. PCR (polymerase chain reaction)– examination of various biomaterials of the patient (blood, urine, saliva) for the presence of herpes type 5 DNA. Allows you to determine the level of reproduction of the virus in the body.

Allows you to detect CMV even with an asymptomatic infection, therefore it plays an important role in the diagnosis of the congenital form of the disease.

Treatment Methods

Like all CMV, there is no cure. Therefore, all therapeutic actions are aimed at reducing the activity of the virus, increasing the body's immune defenses and eliminating concomitant diseases. Specific treatment of type 5 herpes is carried out strictly under supervision in the congenital form of the disease and the severe course of the acquired infection.

Antiviral specific treatment

In children, antiviral drugs are used to fight against (Ganciclovir, Cytoven,) and. The main emphasis is on increasing the activity of the immune system, since many antiviral drugs are very toxic to the child's body.

Syndromic treatment

If a child has serious disorders in the lungs, liver, heart or other systems, additional treatment is prescribed, which is aimed at eliminating pathologies. To alleviate the manifestations of the acquired form, symptomatic treatment can be prescribed to reduce the symptoms of intoxication: antipyretics, vasoconstrictor drops from the common cold, heavy drinking and cough syrups.

Prevention methods

The main way to prevent the congenital form of cytomegalovirus infection is to plan conception and maintain immunity in pregnant women. The expectant mother should take care of her health, undergo routine examinations, avoid close contact with unfamiliar people and carefully observe the rules of personal hygiene.

Prevention of the acquired form of herpes should be carried out by parents from the moment the child is born. Complete care, constant strengthening of immunity and hardening of the child's body is the best way to effectively combat CMV.

Cytomegaly is considered a common infectious disease. Despite this, most parents do not understand how to treat cytomegalovirus in children. CMV occurs in 50% of all children, and parents, having had the infection, are its carriers. Once in the body, the virus remains in it forever, so it is important to understand what it is.

Reasons for the appearance

Cytomegalovirus is a type 5 herpes virus that is transmitted only from person to person. None of the other living beings is its carrier. There are several reasons for the development of CMV in children:

• Intrauterine infection is the main cause. Infection occurs during pregnancy (before it) as a result of a woman's illness.
• A high risk of contracting the virus occurs during labor and breastfeeding.

Ways of infection

Cytomegalovirus infection is found in urine, breast milk, blood fluid, saliva, male semen, and female secretions.

The mechanism of penetration of the virus into the body and the age of the baby play an important role in the development of the disease. Cytomegalovirus in a child is congenital and acquired, in connection with this, there are 3 directions of infection in the child's body, shown in the table:

Type of defeat	Transmission route	Peculiarities
Congenital	Antenatal	Deviation brings the most unintended consequences
		The concentration of the virus in the amniotic fluid contributes to its penetration into the vital organs of the baby
		Sometimes pregnancy ends in miscarriage
Acquired	Intranatal	The risk of infection even with the active form of the disease in the mother is about 5%
	Postnatal	Breastfeeding accounts for 30 to 70% of all cases
		Infection occurs through kissing and bodily contact, which is associated with the active communication of the child with strangers.

Symptoms of CMV development in children

The virus is transmitted to the fetus through the placenta.

From the moment the infection enters the body until signs of the disease appear, it can take from 15 days to 3 months. The child's normal immunity will cope with the virus, and cytomegaly will not manifest itself in any way. The activation of the virus is affected by immunity, age, and the presence of concomitant diseases:

• Congenital cytomegalovirus in children is manifested by the following symptoms:
  • the liver and spleen are enlarged;
  • jaundice;
  • damage to auditory and visual function;
  • developmental delay;
  • the number of platelets in the blood is reduced.
• When infected through breastfeeding, the signs of cytomegalovirus differ:
  • a rash appears;
  • causeless inflammation of the lungs;
  • cough;
  • inflammation of the liver develops.
• Cytomegalovirus infection in a one-year-old child and older in the acute phase is accompanied by symptoms, as in ARVI and mononucleosis syndrome, as in the Epstein-Barr virus:
  • temperature rise;
  • inflammation of the salivary glands;
  • twisting of the joints;
  • headache;
  • runny nose;
  • lack of appetite;
  • fast fatiguability.

Features of the virus for an infant

In newborns, the virus infects the liver.

Congenital cytomegalovirus infection or acquired in the first months of life affect the development of the baby, threaten disability and are life-threatening. The first days of life after birth are characterized by the manifestation of symptoms of liver damage (jaundice of the eyes and skin). In healthy babies, postpartum jaundice goes away in a month, in children with the virus it lasts up to six months.

CMVI is the cause of damage to the hematopoietic function and inflammatory processes in the brain tissue. In an infant, due to a decrease in the number of platelets, bruises appear on the body, the navel bleeds and does not heal. And the inflammatory process provokes loss of consciousness, convulsions, disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system.

Virus in children with immunodeficiency

Cytomegalovirus infection in children with a deficiency of the immune system is a real danger to their lives. According to statistics, the number of pathologies in CMV, leading to death, is highest in children with immunodeficiency. Therapy of the disease in this case should be intensive and begin immediately. It is important to understand the individuality of each case, so only a specialist should be involved in determining therapeutic methods.

Consequences of infection

Cytomegalovirus provokes the development of hepatitis.

It is wrong to consider cytomegalovirus infection harmless to children's health. Although it may not appear for a long period of time, a decrease in immune defenses causes it to develop rapidly. Intrauterine cytomegalovirus infection in newborns provokes the following complications:

• inflammation of the meninges;
• pathology of the optic nerves;
• accumulation of fluid in the brain;
• lack of hearing;
• the work of the salivary glands and adrenal glands is disrupted.

In the event of a weakening of the body's defenses, CMVI penetrates into vital organs, provoking the development of pathologies:

• inflammation of the spinal cord;
• pneumonia;
• hepatitis;
• inflammation of the colon;
• neuropathy;
• inflammation of the retina.

The most dangerous is the asymptomatic childhood cytomegalovirus, the infection of which occurred in the prenatal period, during childbirth or breastfeeding. In this case, cytomegalovirus in a newborn is dangerous with severe consequences:

• In 20% of newborns, after some time, there is a deformation of the bones of the skull, a disorder of motor functions, convulsions, and an outwardly noticeable underweight.
• After a few years, developmental delay, speech impairment, and cardiovascular pathologies appear.

Doctor   Dmitry Sedykh

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is considered a fairly common infectious disease of the herpesvirus family. The disease most often affects children immediately after birth and up to 5 years, and the virus also passes to the child from the mother before birth. After infection, it is impossible to get rid of the virus, but the body begins to produce antibodies to cytomegalovirus. A blood test for IgG and IgM antibody titers helps determine the presence of the virus and the stage of the disease.

Cytomegalovirus is able to penetrate inside the cells of organs and tissues of the body, for this reason the cell increases significantly in size. It usually affects the cells of the immune and nervous systems, the salivary glands, settles there forever in a dormant state, activating when the body's defenses are weakened.

When infected with cytomegalovirus, the body begins to produce antibodies, which are protein substances (immunoglobulins). Their purpose is to fight the virus, block its activity and development, and reduce the intensity of symptoms.

For each type of bacteria and viruses, their own antibodies are produced, active only in relation to it. For the diagnosis of cytomegalovirus, it is necessary to determine the antibodies of the class M and G, although several other varieties are known.

The presence of class G immunoglobulins reflects immunological memory, that is, such immunoglobulins are formed when the cytomegalovirus has entered the body, is inside the cells, and immunity to it has developed.

For the diagnosis of cytomegalovirus, the detection of antibodies of the IgG and IgM classes is indicative. This allows you to establish the stage of infection and the level of immunity. Enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) is carried out. At the same time, the concentration of IgM antibodies and the avidity index are determined.

The presence of IgM antibodies indicates that the cytomegalovirus has recently entered the body, and a latent infection is reactivated. It is possible to detect them only 4 weeks after the initial infection.

High levels of titers remain in the blood for a year after cure, a single analysis is ineffective for assessing how the infection is proceeding. It is required to monitor the dynamics of the number of antibodies: their increase or decrease. Antibodies of this class are large in size.

IgG antibodies to cytomegalovirus are detected in the blood 1-2 weeks after infection. They are characterized by a smaller size, produced in small volumes throughout the life of the virus carrier.

Their presence serves as evidence of immunological memory for cytomegalovirus, prevents the development of virus cells and their spread.

During exacerbations of the disease, IgG antibodies are able to quickly neutralize the virus.

Antibodies to cytomegalovirus

How to decipher tests for antibodies to CMV

An ELISA blood test allows you to determine the exact chemical composition of the blood, the presence of antibodies to cytomegalovirus. For blood tests, special titers are used, with their help, the number of positive reactions in the blood and serum is established.

The analysis can have the following indicators:

1. IgG negative, IgM negative. The body does not have antibodies to cytomegalovirus, there is no reaction of the immune system to it, infection is possible.
2. IgG positive, IgM negative. Means that there is a small risk of infection depending on the level of immune protection. Developed immunity.
3. IgG negative, IgM positive. The virus is at the initial stage of development, the infection is recent. Treatment is needed.
4. IgG positive, IgM positive. The stage of exacerbation, an extended examination and treatment is necessary.

ELISA analysis is considered a reliable way to determine the disease, with a result of 100%. If one of the antibodies is not detected, a second study will be required. If it is not possible to detect antibodies to cytomegalovirus, it can be argued that the child has not previously encountered CMV carriers and the body is particularly susceptible.

The presence of antibodies cannot be considered as a guarantee to avoid infection in the future, since 100% immunity to cytomegalovirus is not developed.

IgG to cytomegalovirus positive

Cytomegalovirus IgG positive in a child means that he has already encountered an infection and his body reacts to it by producing antibodies. A low concentration indicates that the infection happened a long time ago.

In addition to the number of positive reactions, the avidity of IgG is examined, that is, the degree of strength of the connection of antibodies with antigens. The higher the avidity index, the faster the antibodies are able to bind viral proteins.

Children with initial infection with cytomegalovirus usually have a low antibody avidity index, an increase is observed after 3 months. That is, avidity shows how long ago CMV entered the child's body:

• avidity below 50% - evidence of primary infection;
• 50-60% - re-analysis is required after 2 weeks.
• avidity more than 60% - a high rate, chronic virus carrying.

If you want to check the dynamics of antibody development, it is better to repeat the tests in the same laboratory, because the norms of indicators for different laboratories may be different.

Cytomegalovirus Igg and Igm. ELISA and PCR for cytomegalovirus. Avidity for cytomegalovirus

The child was diagnosed with cytomegalovirus. Despite the wide distribution of this agent on the planet, there is practically no knowledge of ordinary inhabitants about it. At best, someone once heard something, but it’s hard to remember what exactly. Doctor Yevgeny Komarovsky told in an accessible form that it is a virus, why it is dangerous and what to do if this “terrible beast” is found in a child’s blood tests. We give you the opportunity to get acquainted with the information from a famous doctor.

About the virus

Cytomegalovirus belongs to the family of herpes viruses of the fifth type. It is quite interesting when viewed through a microscope - its shape resembles a round prickly shell of a chestnut fruit, and in the context it looks like a gear.

Affecting a person, this virus causes the occurrence of cytomegalovirus infection. However, it is not so aggressive: after entering the body, for a long time it can quite peacefully exist there, without indicating its presence in any way. For this "tolerance" it is called an opportunistic virus, which goes into reproduction and causes disease only under certain factors. Chief among them is a weakened immune system. The most susceptible to infection are people who take a lot of medicines for any reason, live in an ecologically polluted area, and often and in large quantities use household chemicals.

Cytomegalovirus loves to settle in the salivary glands. From there it travels throughout the body.

By the way, the body gradually produces antibodies to it, and if enough of them have accumulated, even a weakened immune system can no longer cause a cytomegalovirus infection.

Transmission routes

If for adults the main route of infection is sexual, then for children it is kissing, contact with the saliva of a person infected with the virus, which is why it is sometimes called the kiss virus.

Also, the mother, with a large cytomegalovirus infection, passes it on to the fetus during pregnancy, and this can cause quite serious malformations in its development. The child can become infected during childbirth through contact with the mucous membranes of the birth canal. In addition, the baby can get an infection with mother's milk in the first days of his life.

Another way of transmission of cytomegalovirus is blood. If the crumbs had replacement blood transfusions from a donor who has such a virus, as well as organ transplantation from an infected donor, then the child will certainly become carriers of cytomegalovirus.

Danger

Yevgeny Komarovsky cites the following fact: on the planet, 100% of the elderly in one way or another had contact with cytomegalovirus. Among adolescents, about 15% of those who already have antibodies to this agent are found (that is, the disease has already been transferred). By the age of 35-40, antibodies to CMV are found in 50-70% of people. By retirement, the number of those who are immune to the virus is even higher. Thus, it is quite difficult to talk about some kind of excessive danger of the fifth type virus, because many who have been ill do not even know about such an infection - it went completely unnoticed for them.

The virus is dangerous only for pregnant women and their unborn children, but also on the condition that the future mother's encounter with CMV during gestation arose for the first time. If a woman has been ill before, and antibodies are found in her blood, then there is no harm to the child. But primary infection during pregnancy is dangerous for the baby - he may die or there is a high risk of congenital malformations.

If the infection of the baby occurs during pregnancy or immediately after childbirth, then doctors talk about congenital cytomegalovirus infection. This is a pretty serious diagnosis.

If a child has caught the virus already in his own conscious life, they speak of an acquired infection. It can be overcome without much difficulty and consequences.

Parents most often ask the question: what does it mean if antibodies to cytomegalovirus (IgG) are found in a baby’s blood test and + is put opposite CMV? There is nothing to worry about, says Yevgeny Komarovsky. This does not mean that the child is sick, but that there are antibodies in his body that will prevent the cytomegalovirus from doing its "dirty deed". They developed on their own, because the child has already had contact with this virus.

You need to start worrying if the child has IgM + in the results of a blood test. This means that there is a virus in the blood, but no antibodies yet.

Symptoms of infection

The presence of cytomegalovirus infection in a newborn is determined by the doctors of the children's department of the maternity hospital. Immediately after the birth of the crumbs, they do an extended blood test.

In the case of an acquired infection, parents should be aware that the incubation period lasts from 3 weeks to 2 months, and the disease itself can last from 2 weeks to a month and a half.

The symptoms of even a very attentive mother will not cause the slightest doubt and suspicion - they are very similar to a common viral infection:

• body temperature rises;
• respiratory symptoms appear (runny nose, cough, which quickly turns into bronchitis);
• signs of intoxication are noticeable, the child has no appetite, he complains of headache and muscle pain.

If everything is in order with the child’s immune system, then it will give a powerful rebuff to the virus, its spread will be stopped, and the same IgG antibodies will appear in the baby’s blood. However, if the peanut's own protection was not enough, the infection can "hide" and acquire a sluggish, but deep form, in which the internal organs and nervous system are affected. With a generalized form of cytomegalovirus infection, the liver, kidneys and adrenal glands, and the spleen suffer.

Treatment

It is customary to treat a cytomegalovirus infection by analogy with a herpes infection, except that they choose drugs that do not affect herpes in general, but cytomegalovirus in particular. There are two such funds - "Ganciclovir" and "Cytoven", both are quite expensive.

During the acute phase of the disease, a child is prescribed plenty of fluids and vitamins. Antibiotics are not needed for uncomplicated cytomegalovirus infection because antimicrobials do not help against viruses.

Antibacterial agents can be prescribed by a doctor in case of a complicated course of the disease, when there are inflammatory processes from the internal organs.

Prevention

The best prevention is strengthening the immune system, good nutrition, hardening, playing sports. If a pregnant woman did not suffer from cytomegaly and her registration does not show antibodies to this virus, then she will automatically fall into the risk group.

This virus is young (it was discovered only in the middle of the 20th century), and therefore little studied. To date, the effectiveness of the experimental vaccine is approximately 50%, that is, half of the vaccinated pregnant women will still get CMV.

To learn more about cytomegalovirus infection, the video of Dr. Komarovsky will help you.