What is cytomegalovirus infection in pregnant women?
May 14, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Jiang Weimin
Introduction
Cytomegalovirus belongs to the herpesvirus family. In most healthy individuals, it usually causes no obvious symptoms or only mild, cold-like symptoms. However, it may lead to severe complications in pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals. The primary risk of this infection stems from its ability to cross the placenta and infect the fetus, potentially causing abnormal fetal development.
In general, cytomegalovirus (CMV) belongs to the herpesvirus family. The specific analysis is as follows:
The primary transmission routes of CMV in pregnant women involve contact with infected bodily fluids such as saliva, urine, blood, breast milk, and semen. Pregnant women may become infected through close contact with infected individuals, sexual contact, blood transfusions, organ transplantation, or vertical transmission from mother to fetus. In most healthy individuals, CMV infection typically causes no obvious symptoms or only mild, cold-like symptoms. However, it can lead to severe complications in pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals. The main danger of this infection lies in its ability to cross the placenta and infect the developing fetus, potentially causing fetal developmental abnormalities, congenital CMV infection, and other serious complications. It can significantly affect multiple organs and systems in the fetus, including the nervous system, hearing, vision, and intellectual development. Congenital CMV infection may result in delayed development, congenital heart defects, intellectual disabilities, hearing loss, and vision problems.
Prevention and management of CMV in pregnant women are crucial. Preventive measures should be emphasized and carried out under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
