Full Form of CMV

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CMVstands for

Cytomegalovirus

What is CMV?

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common herpesvirus that usually causes mild or no symptoms in healthy individuals, but can lead to severe disease in immunocompromised patients and newborns. In India, CMV is a significant cause of congenital infections, with seroprevalence rates exceeding 90% in adults. It is diagnosed through blood tests, PCR, or antigen detection. The virus remains latent after primary infection and can reactivate during immunosuppression, such as in organ transplant recipients or people living with HIV. CMV infection during pregnancy can result in hearing loss, developmental delay, or microcephaly in the child. Awareness about CMV is growing in Indian prenatal care, though routine screening is not yet universal. The virus is transmitted via body fluids including urine, saliva, blood, and breast milk. In healthcare settings, CMV is a major concern for neonatal intensive care units and transplant wards. For competitive medical exams like NEET PG and USMLE, CMV is frequently tested for its clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment with antivirals like ganciclovir. Understanding CMV is essential for managing maternal-fetal medicine and infectious disease cases in India.

CMV का फुल फॉर्म

साइटोमेगालोवायरस

Example

The pregnant woman tested positive for CMV IgG antibodies, so her doctor recommended a follow-up PCR test to rule out active infection.

CMV — frequently asked questions

What is the full form of CMV?
CMV stands for Cytomegalovirus, a type of herpesvirus that is widespread in India and can cause serious illness in newborns and immunocompromised individuals.
How is CMV transmitted?
CMV spreads through direct contact with body fluids such as urine, saliva, blood, tears, breast milk, and semen. It can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth.
Is there a cure for CMV infection?
There is no cure, but antiviral drugs like ganciclovir can manage symptoms and reduce viral load, especially in transplant patients and newborns with congenital CMV.
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