Can CMV cause blindness?

Can CMV cause blindness?

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is a viral eye infection. It can be serious and even cause blindness. You’re more likely to get this infection if you have a weak immune system from HIV or AIDS.

Does CMV stay with you forever?

Once CMV is in a person’s body, it stays there for life and can reactivate. A person can also be re-infected with a different strain (variety) of the virus.

Can CMV lay dormant?

CMV is related to the viruses that cause chickenpox, herpes simplex and mononucleosis. CMV may cycle through periods when it lies dormant and then reactivates. If you’re healthy, CMV mainly stays dormant. When the virus is active in your body, you can pass the virus to other people.

How long does it take to recover from CMV?

Most people recover in 4 to 6 weeks without medicine. Rest is needed, sometimes for a month or longer to regain full activity levels. Painkillers and warm salt-water gargles can help relieve symptoms.

Is CMV retinitis reversible?

50% w/ unilateral retinitis develop contralateral involvement within 6 mos if untreated. Causes of visual loss: central macular (foveal) necrosis (irreversible); optic neuritis (occasionally reversible); macular edema (occasionally reversible); retinal detachment (surgically treatable).

How rare is CMV?

Although congenital CMV affects around 1 in 200 babies, many of them will not show any symptoms. Some will have symptoms such as premature birth, low birth weight, hearing or vision problems, and other developmental issues.

Can CMV retinitis be cured?

The anti-viral drugs commonly used to treat CMV retinitis are ganciclovir (Cytovene), foscarnet (Foscavir) and cidofovir (Vistide). They can slow down the progression of CMV, but they can’t cure it.

Is there a cure for cytomegalovirus infection?

What is the treatment for cytomegalovirus infection? There is no cure for CMV, and treatment for CMV infection is not necessary in healthy children and adults. Those at very high risk of developing severe CMV infection may be placed on antiviral medication to help prevent CMV disease.