On this page you will find a selection of frequently asked questions. Please click on the question in which you are interested to read the answer.
How can I recognise a CMV infection?
In healthy adults a CMV infection is normally accompanied with none or only few symptoms.
They can resemble an influenza infection. Possible signs can also be fever, a swelling of lymph nodes, headache and growing pains. In a few cases, side ache and lassitude can occur. Due to the fact that a cytomegalovirus infection can develop without any symptoms in mother and child, it often is not discovered.
The routine screening for pregnant women in Germany currently does not cover a CMV antibody blood test and the legal health insurance covers the cost of the test only in case of a reasonable suspicion.
What do I have to do if I suspect that I may be infected with the cytomegalovirus?
Long lasting influenza infections, bouts of fever, swollen lymph nodes, headaches or pains in the upper abdomen can be signs of a primary CMV infection.
In order to recognise a risk as early as possible, women planning to have children or whose pregnancy has recently been diagnosed, may wish to consider being tested (CMV IgG test) at their own expense. Ask your doctor for more information.
Please consult your gynaecologist: If a CMV infection is suspected, your gynaecologist can carry out a CMV antibody test and if necessary arrange further tests (e. g. ultrasonic testing).
How can I protect my child and myself from a cytomegalovirus infection?
The highest risk of a CMV infection for an unborn child exists if no antibodies against the virus can be detected in the mother’s blood (CMV seronegative).If you have not yet had contact with the virus and are pregnant, careful hygiene is recommended. You should avoid frequent and close contact with children either privately or on a work related basis.
Seronegative pregnant women also may want to clean items and surfaces that may potentially have been contaminated by infants’ urine and saliva. Moreover, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after changing diapers, feeding, bathing, cleaning children’s noses and after touching toys.
Beyond that, sharing cups, plates, towels and other items with young children and kissing on the lips or licking the children’s soother for cleaning purposes should be avoided.
Can congenital (meaning present at birth) cytomegalovirus infections be treated?
If the gynaecologist has evidence for a primary infection (formation of antibodies) during a pregnancy, a therapy with hypoimmunoglobulins can be implemented off-label (off-label means for a purpose other than that which the substance was applied and approved for). The administration of virostatics, on the other hand, can cause serious health problems in the foetus. Yet, virostatics can be used in infected newborn babies.
