Medical Encyclopedia

 

Medical Encyclopedia

Other encyclopedia topics:  A-Ag  Ah-Ap  Aq-Az  B-Bk  Bl-Bz  C-Cg  Ch-Co  Cp-Cz  D-Di  Dj-Dz  E-Ep  Eq-Ez  F  G  H-Hf  Hg-Hz  I-In  Io-Iz  J  K  L-Ln  Lo-Lz  M-Mf  Mg-Mz  N  O  P-Pl  Pm-Pz  Q  R  S-Sh  Si-Sp  Sq-Sz  T-Tn  To-Tz  U  V  W  X  Y  Z  0-9 

CMV - pneumonia

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

CMV pneumonia
CMV pneumonia
Antibodies
Antibodies

Alternative Names    Return to top

Pneumonia - cytomegalovirus; Cytomegalovirus pneumonia; Troll of transplantation

Definition    Return to top

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can occur in people who have a suppressed immune system.

See also:

Causes    Return to top

CMV pneumonia is caused by a member of a group of herpes-type viruses. Infection with CMV is very common. Most healthy adults have antibodies (indicating previous infection) to CMV in their blood.

Usually CMV produces no symptoms, but serious CMV infections can occur in people with impaired immunity from conditions such as:

In people who have had organ and bone marrow transplants, the risk of infection is greatest 5 - 13 weeks after the transplant.

Symptoms    Return to top

Low oxygen levels in the blood (hypoxemia) with CMV pneumonia often predicts death, especially in patients who need mechanical ventilation.

Exams and Tests    Return to top

Treatment    Return to top

The objective of treatment is to stop the virus from copying in the body through the use of antiviral drugs. Some people will need to get medication through a vein (intravenous). Some people might initially need oxygen therapy and breathing support with a ventilator to maintain oxygen until the infection is brought under control.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Antiviral medications stop the virus from copying itself, but do not destroy it. CMV itself suppresses the immune system, and may increase the risk of other infections due to the additional immunosuppression.

Possible Complications    Return to top

Complications of CMV infection in people with AIDS include:

CMV also increases the replication of HIV in people who are infected.

Complications of CMV pneumonia include:

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of CMV pneumonia.

Prevention    Return to top

The following have been shown to help prevent CMV pneumonia in certain patients:

Preventing AIDS avoids opportunistic diseases, including CMV, that can occur in people who have a damaged or poorly functioning immune system.

Update Date: 11/1/2007

Updated by: Kenneth M. Wener, M.D., Department of Infectious Diseases, Lahey Clinic, Burlington, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Logo

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2009, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.