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Pathology
Cytomegalovirus is a member of the Herpes virus family of DNA viruses. Incubation 3-12 weeks.
Aetiology
Shedding in secretions (saliva, urine, respiratory, genital and breast milk). Crosses placenta giving rise to congenital infection, usually in primary maternal infection.
Signs
Lymphadenopathy is seen in 15% in contrast to EBV infection
Symptoms
Majority asymptomatic; may have fever 3-5 weeks, profuse sweats, lethargy.
Investigations
Bloods: FBC, LFTs
Microbiology: CMV PCR
Histology: Owl-eye nuclei (prominent nucleoli and intracytoplasmic inclusions).
Treatment
Conservative: Supportive treatment.
Anti-Virals: For immunocompromised hosts or in complicated infection
Prognosis
Generally very good
Hepatitis, myocarditis, meningoencephalitis, thrombocytopenia, haemolytic anaemia, Guillain-Barré syndrome, retinitis.
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