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Cytomegalovirus that is CMV is similar to herpes virus and it is present in every single individual. Those with good immune system have no problems caused by Cytomegalovirus, as their body system fights with this virus whenever it comes to the level of being threat to body. But for those who have low immunity due to HIV, organ transplant, bone marrow transplant or chemotherapy, the CMV can be cause damage to the eyes and also invite several eye diseases. Not only eyes but the person also suffers from several other health issues.
Cytomegalovirus mostly affects those who are HIV positive. Among these people about 30% people can get eye diseases, as this virus damages the retina. This condition is known as CMV retinitis. In HIV positive people the CD4 cell count is low and that is what leads to CMV retinitis. This condition first affects any one of the eyes and then spreads to the second eye also. First of the patient has low immunity and on top of that both the eyes affected by the virus, which makes the body unable to fight with the infections. Hence Cytomegalovirus is threatening in such people and need treatment of a vitreo-retinal surgeon for getting cure from this condition. If not treated on time, such people can loose their eyesight and even become blind.
Symptoms of CMV Retinitis -
There are some symptoms of CMV retinitis but it is not necessary that all the patients will show these symptoms. Light flashes, blind spots, blurred vision, floaters, decrease in vision and obstructed visions are some of the common symptoms of this condition. Eye treatment is needed for treating CMV retinitis.
Treatment of CMV Retinitis –
Cytomegalovirus Retinitis can be managed and your doctor will try to focus his or her attention on slowing the progress of the disease. The doctor will also start treating the other eye problems. Doctors will give you anti-viral medicines so that it can fight with the Cytomegalovirus. These anti-viral drugs can be taken orally or can be given with the help of injections. These injections are directly given in to the eye of the affected person. In United States itself about 85% of all people get infections of CMV. Many pregnant women too get infected with Cytomegalovirus. If before pregnancy you have got infected by this virus and have taken treatment for it then there is no chance that this virus will infect your newborn child.
But if during pregnancy you get affected with Cytomegalovirus then there are high chances of you passing the viral infection into your child. In about every 100 infants one to two children get affected with this virus. CMV can be easily detected in urine, blood, blood products, saliva, semen, breast milk and cervical secretions. CMV is highly contagious and if a healthy person has sexual contact with CMV affected person, then he or she also gets affected with CMV. From an infected mother the virus gets transferred into her baby through breast-feeding or it can also get transmitted during or before the labor.
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