Cytomegalovirus pneumonia is a lung infection which occurs in people who have a weak and suppressed immune system. Cytomegalovirus belongs to the group of herpes-type viruses. Particularly, this infection is common in bone marrow transplant recipients and solid organ transplant. This is also known as Pneumonia – cytomegalovirus, troll of transplantation and CMV pneumonia.
Causes of Cytomegalovirus Pneumonia:
This is mainly caused by herpes type viruses. The infection of CMV is most common. Most people are exposed to this virus in their lifetime. Typically, people with weak or suppressed immune system fall ill with cytomegalovirus infection. Generally, CMV does not show any symptoms, but severe CMV infections may occur in weak immune system people from conditions like:
- Bone marrow transplant
- AIDS
- Chemotherapy and other treatments which suppress immune system
- Organ transplant
People who have undergone bone marrow and organ transplant are susceptible to infection after 5 – 13 weeks of transplant.
Symptoms of Cytomegalovirus Pneumonia:
Following are the symptoms of cytomegalovirus pneumonia:
- Excessive sweating during nights
- Shortness of breath after exertion
- Joint pains or muscle aches
- Loss of appetite
- Uneasiness, ill feeling (malaise) or general discomfort
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
- Fatigue
Low levels of oxygen in the blood with this condition predicts death, particularly in patients whose who need mechanical ventilation.
Diagnosis for Cytomegalovirus Pneumonia:
Following are the diagnostic tests for detecting the presence and severity of the cytomegalovirus pneumonia:
- Urine culture
- Computed Tomography scan of chest
- Chest X-ray
- Bronchoscopy with biopsy
- Blood tests for detecting and measuring the substances specific to the infection.
- Blood culture
- Arterial blood gas
Treatment for Cytomegalovirus Pneumonia:
The main objective of the treatment is to stop the virus from entering into the body through the usage of antiviral drugs. In some cases, medication for CMV pneumonia is given through veins. In some cases, oxygen therapy is needed initially and breathing support with ventilator to maintain the oxygen until infection is controlled.
Complications of Cytomegalovirus Pneumonia:
Cytomegalovirus complications include:
- Inflammation of retina
- Infectious and mononucleosis – like disorders
- Intestinal diseases
- Esophageal diseases
- Overwhelming infections which does not respond to the treatments
- Lower count of white blood cells
- Kidney impairment
