Rules for the treatment of cytomegalovirus - drugs and methods. Cytomegalovirus: treatment with drugs and folk methods Suppositories for cytomegalovirus infection
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Cytomegalovirus - treatment of CMV is a rather complex task. As, in fact, all viral diseases caused by pathogens adapted to modern medicines.
Poses a potential threat to human health. The virus is one of the most common opportunistic pathogens. When exposed to certain factors, it is activated and causes a clear clinical picture of cytomegaly. In some people, the virus remains in a conditionally pathogenic state throughout their lives, not manifesting itself at all, but causing disturbances in the immune defense.
The disease is especially dangerous for infants and young children, when the virus covers all organs or systems, leading to serious complications, including the death of the patient. There are still no known effective drugs to completely expel the virus from the body. If you are infected with cytomegalovirus, treatment with drugs is carried out to achieve long-term therapeutic remission in chronic cases and eliminate local manifestations of the infection.
What you need to know about the virus
Cytomegaly appears to be an infectious disease of viral etiology. Some sources use another name - cytomegalovirus infection (in the abbreviation CMV).
Cytomegalovirus is a representative of a large group of herpes viruses. Cells affected by the viral agent increase significantly in size, hence the name of the disease - cytomegaly (translated from Latin - “giant cell”). The disease is transmitted through sexual, domestic or blood transfusion. The most unfavorable route of transmission is the transplacental route.
The symptom complex resembles the development of a persistent cold, which is accompanied by a runny nose, malaise and general weakness, pain in the joint structures, and increased salivation due to inflammation of the salivary glands. The pathology rarely has clear symptoms, mainly occurring in the latent phase. For generalized forms of damage to the body by viral agents, drug treatment and antiviral drugs are prescribed. There is no alternative effective treatment.
Many people are carriers of cytomegalovirus infection without even knowing it. In only 30%, the viral disease has a chronic course, aggravated by local symptoms in the form of a herpetic rash, as well as general malaise. Antibodies to cytomegalovirus exist in 13-15% of adolescents, 45-50% in adult patients. The viral agent is often activated after exposure to factors that reduce immunity.
Cytomegalovirus poses a great danger to persons who have undergone organ or bone marrow transplantation, have congenital forms of the disease or HIV status. The condition is dangerous during pregnancy, leading to serious consequences for the fetus: anomalies in the development of internal organs or systems, deformities and physical disability, miscarriage. This requires a collegial decision by the treating pediatrician and other specialists.
Cytomegalovirus - treatment
The appropriateness of therapy is proportional to the severity of the disease and the potential danger to the patient’s body. After some diagnostic measures, the risks of a possible threat are determined, and the pathological process is assessed. If there are signs of generalization, medical correction with drugs is prescribed. In case of a short-term episode of virus activation and while the patient remains in normal health, no special treatment is performed. If the patient’s clinical history is aggravated, the doctor monitors the general condition and monitors the level of antigen in the blood as part of laboratory diagnostics.
Often a completely healthy person who has recovered from the virus without any consequences gains lasting immunity. The viral agent itself, at the same time, remains in the body forever and is transformed into an opportunistic form. The pathology becomes chronic with periods of short-term exacerbations, subject to a pronounced decrease in immune defense. The goals of drug correction of the disease are:
- reducing the negative impact of the virus;
- relief of existing symptoms;
- ensuring stable remission during chronic disease.
Important! In people who are in absolute health, the virus is asymptomatic, and the disease stops on its own. Many patients do not notice when the virus is activated and when its pathogenic activity decreases.
Main indications for starting treatment
Unfortunately, cytomegalovirus is not completely curable. Medications can only strengthen local immunity and prevent the occurrence of new episodes of exacerbation. Therapy is prescribed in the following cases:
- immunodeficiency diseases of any origin;
- generalized spread of a viral agent;
- preparation for organ transplantation and chemotherapy for cancer;
- complicated clinical history of the patient (pathologies of internal organs or system);
- woman's pregnancy (often the first trimester);
- preparation for the treatment of encephalitis, meningeal infections.
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Routes of transmission of cytomegalovirus infection (CMV)
Before determining treatment tactics, a differential diagnosis of cytomegalovirus infection with influenza conditions, ARVI and other infectious diseases is carried out. It is the similarity of the symptoms of cytomegaly with the classic manifestations of a cold and untimely or inadequate treatment that provokes the development of severe complications.
What medications can be prescribed
So, during the examination, cytomegaloverus was diagnosed - drug treatment will be prescribed in most cases. Conservative and drug therapy are the only ways to correct the condition of patients with CMV infection. Pharmaceutical forms are numerous: ointments (liniments) for external use, tablets for oral use, injections for intravenous administration, drops, suppositories.
To eliminate exacerbations of a viral disease, the following groups of medications are prescribed:
- symptomatic (pain relief, elimination of inflammatory foci, constriction of blood vessels in the nose, in the sclera);
- antiviral (the main task is to suppress the pathogenic activity of the virus: Panavir, Cidofovir, Ganciclovir, Foscarnet);
- drugs to eliminate complications (multiple groups and pharmacological forms);
- immunomodulators (strengthening and restoring the immune system, stimulating the body’s natural defenses: Viferon, Leukinferon, Neovir);
- immunoglobulins (binding and removal of viral particles: Cytotect, Neocytotect).
Drugs for the treatment of cytomegalovirus are prescribed in a complex manner. Additionally, vitamin complexes with an enriched mineral composition are prescribed to restore general resistance to colds and other chronic pathologies that lead to a decrease in immunity. For systemic autoimmune diseases, lifelong drug therapy is usually prescribed.
Important! For cytomegaly in men, Ganciclovir, Foscarnet, Viferon have proven a high therapeutic effect, in women - Acyclovir, Cycloferon and Genferon.
Drug treatment has a number of disadvantages due to side effects. The toxicogenic effect is often expressed in dyspeptic disorders, decreased appetite, and the appearance of allergies. Iron deficiency anemia often develops.
Antiviral drugs
To achieve maximum therapeutic effect, guanosine analogues are prescribed:
- Virolex;
- Acyclovir;
- Zovirax.
The active substance quickly penetrates the virus cells and destroys their DNA. These drugs are characterized by high selectivity and low toxicogenic properties. The bioavailability of Acyclovir and its analogs varies from 15 to 30%, and with increasing dose it decreases by almost 2 times. Guanosine-based medications penetrate all cellular structures and tissues of the body, in rare cases causing nausea, local allergic manifestations, and headaches.
In addition to Acyclovir, its analogues are prescribed Ganciclovir and Foscarnet. All antiviral agents are often combined with immunomodulators.
Interferon inducers
Interferon inducers stimulate the secretion of interferons within the body. It is important to take them in the first days of an exacerbation of infection, since on the 4-5th day or later their use is practically useless. The disease is advanced, and the body is already producing its own interferon.
Inducers suppress the development of CMV, are often well tolerated by the body, and promote the synthesis of immunoglobulin G, natural interferons, and interleukins. Well-known medications containing interferon include Panavir. The drug has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, helps with severe pain, and reduces the intensity of unpleasant symptoms.
Viferon, also helps with viral activity, has a convenient form of suppositories for rectal administration, which is convenient when treating children of any age. Interferon inducers include Cycloferon, Inosine-pranobex and its analogs Isoprinosin, Groprinosin. The latest drugs have a low degree of toxicity and are suitable for treating children and pregnant women.
Immunoglobulin preparations
Immunoglobulins are protein compounds in the human body and warm-blooded animals that, through biochemical interaction, transport antibodies to pathogenic agents. When exposed to CMV, a specific immunoglobulin, Cytotect, is prescribed, which contains antibodies to cytomegalovirus. Among other things, the drug contains antibodies to herpetic virus type 1.2, to the Epstein-Barr virus. Immunoglobulin therapy is necessary to restore the body's general protective resources to the penetration of viral agents.
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What is the avidity of antibodies to cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Another effective remedy for cytomegalovirus is Intraglobin (III generation), Octagam or Alphaglobin (IV generation). The latest types of drugs meet the most stringent requirements and are suitable for patients with severe renal impairment (including the predialysis and dialysis period).
To achieve maximum therapeutic results, immunoglobulins are prescribed in the form of injections (Pentaglobin). Medicines in the form of injections target the root of the problem and quickly eliminate the symptoms of a generalized manifestation of the disease. In addition, the chemical composition of the new generation of drugs is not disrupted before interacting with altered cells.
List of the most effective drugs
Despite the wide range of means to relieve symptoms of CMV, doctors always build individual therapeutic tactics. Before prescribing a specific medicine, you should clarify exactly what symptoms of infection are present in a particular patient. This takes into account: the patient’s clinical history, his age, weight, general somatic status, complications and other factors that may interfere with full treatment.
The following popular means are used for therapy:
- Foscarnet. Refers to antiviral drugs for the treatment of severe forms of pathology complicated by cytomegaly. Prescribed for patients with reduced immunity. The active substance destroys the pathogenic cell, disrupts the biological chain of the virus, and stops the reproduction of viral agents.
- Ganciclovir. An antiviral agent for the treatment of cytomegalovirus with a complicated course (diseases of the kidneys, liver, respiratory system, generalized inflammatory foci). Widely used to prevent congenital infections, especially if the virus in the mother’s body is in the active reproduction phase. Release form tablets and crystalline powder.
- Cytotect. Being an immunoglobulin, the drug is prescribed for the comprehensive elimination of infection. The product has the advantage of low toxicity and the absence of specific and absolute contraindications. The drug is used to prevent large-scale infection by cytomegalovirus in various social groups. Side effects include back pain, hypotension, stiffness in joint movement, and dyspeptic disorders. If negative conditions occur, stop taking the drug and consult a doctor for an alternative prescription.
- Neovir. Belongs to a large group of immunomodulators. Available in solution for injection. It is used for therapeutic correction and prevention of illness in children or adults with autoimmune diseases and other pathologies that, during periods of exacerbation, greatly reduce local immunity. The dosage is determined individually in each case.
- Viferon. Widely used in pediatric practice. Available in the form of suppositories for rectal administration. Used in complex therapy of infectious diseases of any origin, complicated or simple in course. Effective for pneumonia, bronchitis, and colds as a prevention of possible CMV. Side effects include allergic manifestations (itching in the perianal area, urticaria).
- Bishofite. Anti-inflammatory drug for the prevention and treatment of cytomegaly, herpes infection. Available as a gel in a tube or a balm in a glass container. Can be used as a topical remedy to relieve blisters, rashes and inflammation. When used externally, it resembles the effect of using mineral water and healing mud.
It is necessary to use vitamins and other general strengthening agents that stimulate the functioning of many internal structures of the body. The most essential vitamins for viral infections include vitamins C and B9.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, has regenerative properties, restores cells that are involved in inhibiting the activity of pathogenic agents. B vitamins are necessary for the normal functioning of the nervous system, support normal bone marrow function, and are responsible for the resistance of the immune system to external or internal negative factors.
Timely diagnosis and detection of severe forms of infection will reduce the level of complications and prevent generalization of the pathological process. When stopping an exacerbation using medication, it is important to take into account a number of important criteria and carry out a differential diagnosis. Preventive measures during a woman’s pregnancy, in young children, as well as the correct treatment tactics will save patients from the unpleasant manifestations of cytomegalovirus for a long time.
Higher medical education, venereologist, candidate of medical sciences.
Most people, when mentioning cytomegalovirus, more popularly known as herpes, casually brush it off and say something like “it will go away on its own.” This is all because for these unfortunate people, herpes is associated with a plaque on the lip, which itches mercilessly and, in fact, disappears on its own after some time. But not everything is so simple - cytomegalovirus is dangerous and insidious, it can lead to infertility, problems with almost all systems and organs, and also give patients sick offspring with congenital deformities. It is imperative to treat the disease, and folk remedies alone will not get rid of it.
If the patient has a healthy immune system, which is able to independently suppress the development of certain infections, then treatment of the virus as such is not required. But it is imperative to monitor your health, since any “failure” in the functioning of the protective system will give an unpleasant reaction - the microbe will begin to actively multiply, and symptoms will appear. Complications are not far away here. So it turns out that the treatment regimen for cytomegalovirus (herpes) is based not only on taking antibacterial drugs, but also on strengthening the immune system. Without this, expensive medications will be completely useless.
The choice of drugs is a responsible undertaking. There should be no initiative on the part of the patient, since:
- The sensitivity of different strains of CMV to different drugs varies;
- not all patients are equally sensitive to antibiotics of the same groups;
- Some patients are allergic; another remedy may provoke a bad reaction.
Thus, the therapeutic strategy should be developed after a series of examinations that determine the exact diagnosis (the symptoms of CMV overlap with some respiratory diseases), the DNA of the pathogen, and the patient’s sensitivity to antibiotics.
In some cases, the patient is additionally examined for other diseases related to the functioning of the immune system. We are talking about AIDS. If this disease is present, the treatment regimen changes significantly, and different drugs are prescribed.
Drugs
It is impossible to completely eradicate CMV. All antibiotics used for treatment are aimed at suppressing the ability of the virus to reproduce and reducing its activity. If a person becomes infected with this microbe, then it will remain in his cells for life, but after treatment the microorganism will go into “hibernation”, without bothering its carrier in any way. This is typical for all drugs; there is currently no complete treatment for CMV:
- . It is indispensable in the fight against herpes; doctors prescribe it more often than other remedies. Intended for external use, available in the form of a white cream in tubes of 2 or 5 grams. The active components of the drug penetrate the affected cells and rebuild the reproductive system of the virus. Thus, subsequent generations of the microbe will either be defective or not be born at all. There are side effects: skin peeling, burning. In some cases, an allergic reaction may develop. The drug costs about 200 rubles.
- Valaciclovir. It is absorbed much better than Acyclovir and is available in the form of tablets (10 pieces in a package). Changes the DNA of the virus, making it difficult to reproduce and sending it into “hibernation” (transmits the disease into a latent form). The use of the drug is contraindicated in children under 18 years of age, patients with HIV, and also after a bone marrow transplant. The drug costs about 400 rubles.
- Ganciclovir (Cymevene). A very effective medication that inhibits CMV in 80% of cases after the first use. But doctors rarely prescribe it due to its high toxicity to humans. Available in the form of a white powder intended for dissolution in water. The main contraindication is hypersensitivity to the active components of the drug. Also, the product is not recommended for use by children. The antibiotic costs about 1,600 rubles.
- Foscarnet. Available in the form of a cream for external use and a solution for injection. It is not produced in tablets, since in this form the absorption of the active substance is extremely low. Typically, this remedy is prescribed in cases where the patient’s body is not sensitive to other medications and treatment does not bring results. Foscarnet is also effective in the treatment of CMV in combination with HIV. May cause headaches and nausea; should not be used during pregnancy and lactation. Use is not recommended for people over 65 years of age. The package costs 2400 euros.
- Viferon. Made on the basis of interferons, it has an antiviral effect, and also enhances the effect of antibiotics. In addition, Viferon supports immunity, which is a prerequisite for the treatment of CMV. Used in the form of suppositories, it suppresses the DNA of the virus. The drug costs about 300 rubles, although you can find cheaper offers.
The most effective treatment is the combination of several medications. Not all doctors share this opinion, fearing a “conflict” between different medications.
Treatment regimen
The maximum therapeutic effect is achieved by using several drugs. These include:
- antibiotic;
- Viferon or another interferon-based agent;
- immunomodulator.
The dosage of the drug is determined by the attending physician based on an analysis of the patient’s general health, his age, body weight and many other indicators. If a person tries to choose a treatment strategy himself, then, at best, there will be no effect.
On average, the therapeutic regimen looks like this:
- for 10 days, a Viferon suppository is administered rectally once a day (can be extended or adjusted);
- an antibacterial drug is used for three weeks;
- in the fourth week, Viferon is resumed, and the dosage of the antibiotic is reduced.
By this time, the symptoms of the disease usually disappear, which is what we need - the virus will still not leave the cells of the body, but it will reduce its activity, the disease will become latent.
If such a regimen does not bring any effect, then additional examinations are carried out to determine sensitivity to the previously selected drugs. If immunity is detected, the doctor prescribes a replacement. Do not forget that you should relieve symptoms for a comfortable life. The following agents are used for additional therapy:
- ACC for cough relief (price about 100 rubles);
- Ibuprofen against fever (cost 100 rubles);
- Otrivin copes well with rhinitis (costs approximately 150 rubles).
Simultaneously with the therapeutic course, it is necessary to change the lifestyle. This is necessary to maintain protective forces. Provide your body with reasonable physical activity, get enough sleep, and eat more vitamin-rich foods, such as vegetables and fruits. In addition, avoid stressful situations - they are detrimental to the immune system.
Folk remedies
Even doctors admit that most folk remedies cope well with CMV. True, they should not completely replace full-fledged drug therapy, since a number of strains of the virus are sensitive only to antibiotics, and decoctions are powerless against them. Traditional medicine is not able to destroy the virus; even powerful drugs cannot do this. The action of these drugs is aimed at suppressing the activity of CMV and disrupting its reproductive function.
Folk remedies have no contraindications (with rare exceptions for individual intolerance to certain substances); side effects, if they occur, are insignificant:
- A decoction based on licorice root. For preparation you will need chamomile flowers, string, leuzea, kopeck, alder cones, and, of course, licorice root (all 50 grams). The crushed ingredients are mixed, poured with half a liter of boiling water, and infused for a day (preferably in a thermos). You should drink the decoction for two weeks, 60 ml 4 times a day.
- Red rowan. You will need 1 tablespoon of chopped ripe berries. They are filled with 8 glasses of boiling water, the liquid is infused for 2 hours. For best results, the container with the product should be insulated. You need to drink 1 glass of the decoction before meals. Please note that after a day the product will lose its strength and will need to be prepared again.
- Echinacea. This decoction does not suppress the virus, but seriously strengthens the immune system, even some medications are left far behind. A tablespoon of herb is poured into half a liter of boiling water and infused in a thermos for 10-11 hours. You need to drink the decoction for three weeks, 150 ml before each meal. Before drinking, the liquid must be strained through cheesecloth.
In combination with medications, they significantly increase the chances of quickly getting rid of CMV.
Cytomegalovirus is difficult to treat; modern medicine has not yet developed a drug that can completely kill the microorganism. Treatment is based on suppressing its activity and disrupting reproductive function. Antibiotics, immunomodulators and Viferon are used for therapeutic purposes. Folk remedies in the form of herbal decoctions have also proven themselves well. But preventive drugs have not yet been invented, so all precautions consist of strengthening the immune system and observing basic hygiene rules.
You can also watch this video, where a specialist will tell you about the nuances of this disease, as well as the main causes.
Chemotherapy for malignant neoplasms, immunosuppressive therapy for internal organ transplantation) CMV causes severe illness (damage to the eyes, lungs, digestive system and brain) that can lead to death.
Prevalence and routes of infection with cytomegalovirus
- in everyday life: by airborne droplets and contact - with saliva during kissing
- sexually: contact - with sperm, mucus of the cervical canal
- during blood transfusion and organ transplantation
- transplacental route - intrauterine infection of the fetus
- infection of a child during childbirth
- infection of a child in the postpartum period through breast milk from a sick mother.
Clinical manifestations of cytomegalovirus
The incubation period for cytomegalovirus ranges from 20 to 60 days. The acute phase of the disease lasts from 2 to 6 weeks: an increase in body temperature and the appearance of signs of general intoxication, chills, weakness, headache, muscle pain and bronchitis. In response to the initial introduction, immune restructuring of the body develops. After the acute phase, asthenia and sometimes autonomic-vascular disorders persist for many weeks. Multiple damage to internal organs.
Most often, CMV infection manifests itself as:
- ARVI (acute respiratory viral infection). In this case, patients complain of weakness, general malaise, fatigue, headaches, runny nose, inflammation and enlargement of the salivary glands, with copious amounts of saliva and whitish deposits on the gums and tongue.
- A generalized form of CMV infection with damage to internal (parenchymal) organs. Inflammation of the liver tissue, adrenal glands, spleen, pancreas, and kidneys is observed. This is accompanied by frequent “causeless” pneumonia and bronchitis, which are difficult to respond to antibiotic therapy; There is a decrease in immune status, and the number of platelets in the peripheral blood decreases. Damage to the blood vessels of the eye, intestinal walls, brain and peripheral nerves is common. Enlargement of the parotid and submandibular salivary glands, inflammation of the joints, skin rash.
- Damage to the genitourinary system in men and women is manifested by symptoms of chronic nonspecific inflammation. If the viral nature of the existing pathology is not established, the diseases do not respond well to antibiotic therapy.
Pathology of pregnancy, fetus and newborn are the most serious complications of CMV infection. The maximum risk of developing this pathology occurs when the fetus becomes infected during pregnancy. However, it must be remembered that problems often arise in pregnant women with the activation of a latent infection with the development of viremia (the release of the virus into the blood) with subsequent infection of the fetus. Cytomegalovirus is one of the most common causes of miscarriage.
Intrauterine CMV infection of the fetus leads to the development of severe diseases and damage to the central nervous system (mental retardation, hearing loss). In 20-30% of cases the child dies.
Diagnosis of CMV infection
Diagnosis of herpesvirus (HSV and CMV) infections:
- Diagnosis of HSV and CMV - infections can be diagnosed (especially in low-symptomatic, atypical and latent forms of herpes) only on the basis of detecting the virus in biological fluids of the body (blood, urine, saliva, genital tract secretions) using the PCR method or with special inoculation on cell culture. PCR answers the question: the virus is detected or not, but does not answer the activity of the virus.
- Cell culture seeding not only detects the virus, but also provides information about its activity (aggressiveness). Analysis of culture results during treatment allows us to draw a conclusion about the effectiveness of the therapy.
- IgM antibodies may indicate either a primary infection or an exacerbation of a chronic infection.
- IgG antibodies- they only say that a person met the virus and became infected. IgG in herpesvirus infections persists for life (unlike, for example, chlamydia). There are situations in which IgG has diagnostic value.
Treatment of cytomegalovirus
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Treatment should be comprehensive and include immune and antiviral therapy. Cytomegalovirus quite quickly leaves the periphery and ceases to be released from biological fluids (blood, saliva, breast milk) - the latent phase of infection begins - high-quality immunotherapy activates the body's defense mechanisms, which subsequently control the activation of latent CMV infection.
In this article we will look at what cytomegalovirus infection is, how it manifests itself, how to treat it, and much more regarding this infection.
Introduction
Cytomegalovirus infection (CMVI) is a viral infection that can affect one part of the body, such as the eyes, or spread throughout the body.
Before the advent of effective therapy for human immunodeficiency virus (commonly called highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)), it was common for people with CMV to develop.
Today, thanks to HAART, cases of cytomegalovirus infection in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are relatively rare. People with HIV whose CD4 count is below 50 cells/mm 3 are most at risk of developing the disease. Fortunately, treatment for cytomegalovirus infection has improved significantly in recent years.
What is cytomegalovirus infection?
Cytomegalovirus infection or abbr. CMVI is a serious infection caused by a virus called cytomegalovirus or abbr. CMV (lat. Cytomegalovirus, CMV). This virus is related to the herpes viruses that cause chickenpox and infectious mononucleosis (benign lymphoblastosis).
CMV is one of many infections that develop in people living with HIV, referred to as opportunistic infections.
Opportunistic infections only occur when a person's immune system is very weakened and the body becomes vulnerable to infections that would not otherwise affect the person's body.
Most healthy adults carry CMV, but do not know about it, because the virus does not cause any symptoms in them, and in general, does not manifest itself in any way. However, in people with a severely weakened immune system, CMV can cause infectious mononucleosis.
Cytomegalovirus infection can also cause serious illness in various parts of the body, most often in the eye area (see symptoms section below).
Who's at risk CMV ?
People with weakened immune systems due to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), cancer, long-term use of medications that weaken the immune system, or people with organ or tissue transplants are most at risk of developing cytomegalovirus infection.
People living with HIV are most at risk of developing CMV and typically have the following characteristics:
- CD4 lymphocyte count below 50 cells/mm 3 ;
- not taking or not responding to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART);
- have previously had CMV or other life-threatening infections.
Symptoms and signs of CMV infection
The most common complication and manifestation of cytomegalovirus infection is:
- retinitis- This involves inflammation of the light-sensitive part of the eyes, the retina. CMV infects these cells, causing inflammation and death of these cells. Typically, people with CMV retinitis may initially have no or gradually worsen symptoms affecting their vision. Others experience more severe symptoms. Retinitis can cause blurred vision, blind spots, flashes of light and dark spots in the eyes that seem to float in your field of vision, sometimes called “floaters.”
Two-thirds of people initially diagnosed with retinitis have the disease in only one eye; however, without highly active antiretroviral therapy or anti-CMV therapy, most people develop retinitis in both eyes within 10 to 21 days after the first symptoms appear.
If left untreated, retinitis causes permanent blindness within three to six months. If you have problems with your vision, contact your doctor immediately.
Other diseases and symptoms of CMV may include (but are not limited to):
- esophagitis- when a cytomegalovirus infection affects the esophagus (the passage connecting the mouth to the stomach). Symptoms of this complication may include fever, nausea, painful swallowing, and swollen lymph nodes.
- colitis- when CMV affects the colon (the longest part of the large intestine). Symptoms include fever, weight loss, abdominal pain and a general feeling of malaise.
- diseases of the central nervous system (CNS)- when the infection affects the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms include confusion, fatigue, fever, cramps, weakness and numbness in the legs, and loss of bowel and bladder control.
- - if CMV affects the lungs (rarely occurs in HIV-positive people).
A cytomegalovirus infection that has spread throughout the body can make a person feel like they have mononucleosis. When the infection has spread throughout the body, it is called dissemination.
Symptoms of disseminated CMV infection may include unexpected fatigue, joint stiffness, muscle pain, fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat and loss of appetite.
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Because CMV infection can be life-threatening if not treated early, It is important that you call your doctor as soon as possible if you have HIV and are experiencing any symptoms of CMV, regardless of your CD4 count.
Diagnosis of CMV
Blood and urine tests are often used to detect and measure CMV infection. Confirming a diagnosis of cytomegalovirus infection may require a biopsy (a procedure in which a doctor removes a small piece of tissue that is then examined under a microscope in a laboratory) unless the disease affects the eyes or central nervous system.
If your doctor suspects cytomegalovirus retinitis, he or she will refer you to an ophthalmologist (ophthalmologist). A vision specialist will check your eyes for CMV retinitis.
If you are a pregnant woman and you have CMV, your doctor may recommend a test called amniocentesis to determine whether your baby has CMV. To perform amniocentesis, the doctor inserts a long, thin needle through the abdomen and into the uterus to collect a small amount of fluid from the amniotic sac surrounding the baby.
CMV infection can harm a developing fetus. If the test shows that the fetus does have infections, the doctor will examine your baby after birth to check for birth defects or health problems so they can be treated if possible.
Before starting treatment for cytomegalovirus, it is necessary to accurately diagnose the disease and determine whether treatment for cytomegalovirus is necessary in your case. Since it is not always required, you need to be aware of it. In addition, diagnosing the presence of cytomegalovirus infection is not easy and CMV is easily confused with other diseases. Below we will talk about how to cure cytomegalovirus and how it is treated, as well as in what cases it is necessary.
Cytomegalovirus infection should be treated only when the disease poses an undeniable danger to the human body. Only a specialist can clearly identify such cases after visiting the sick clinic to diagnose the disease. If your body has symptoms of a generalized cytomegalovirus infection, it is extremely important to go to the clinic. A treatment regimen for cytomegalovirus can only be drawn up after a personal examination of the patient.
A person who has recovered from cytomegalovirus and suffered an infectious disease without any serious consequences acquires a fairly strong immune system. In the overwhelming majority, cytomegalovirus infection, having affected the human body, does not cause any symptoms. The virus itself enters a dormant mode in the body, remaining in a person forever. And it manifests itself, causing relapses, accompanied by all sorts of complications, only when the immune system is severely weakened.
In all cases, the treatment of cytomegalovirus infection pursues the goal of significantly mitigating the negative impact of the viral infection on the human body. Most often, after infection, a person with a sufficiently strong immune system easily endures the initial outbreak of an infectious disease, so there is no need for someone sick with cytomegalovirus to go to the hospital. In such people, after a short-term manifestation, the set of existing symptoms ceases without a trace. As a result, the disease mostly goes unnoticed.
In what cases is treatment for cytomegalovirus really necessary?
The following manifestations are relevant to the specific circumstances according to which the attending physician determines the course of treatment for cytomegalovirus infection in adults or children:
- The presence of acquired or congenital immunodeficiency in a patient of any age.
- Generalized stage - widespread spread of the virus is accompanied by a very painful inflammatory process throughout the body or in a specific organ against the background of the presence of other infections that weaken the basic protective functions of the human body.
- Complicated or aggravated course of cytomegalovirus or preparation for treatment for allogeneic organ transplantation, pneumonia, encephalitis, cancer - when using therapy that severely suppresses the immune system.
- During the first trimester of pregnancy, women with weakened immune systems may develop primary cytomegalovirus, which can potentially cause extremely severe damage to the fetus, and may also provoke miscarriage.
The generalized stage or symptomatic exacerbation of the disease with cytomegalovirus infection is often characterized by the fact that most patients and even sometimes some doctors confuse this viral disease due to its similarity with the symptoms of influenza-related diseases or ARVI. And also with other infectious diseases. This often leads to erroneous treatment and a high risk of developing severe complications.
With an absolutely accurate differential diagnosis, the patient will be prescribed the most adequate treatment for cytomegalovirus. And the medications are prescribed for the correct purpose.
Drugs and vitamins for the treatment of cytomegalovirus infection
Let's look at how to treat cytomegalovirus with medications. The main medications for cytomegalovirus infection and their treatment are divided into several small groups:
- Symptomatic remedies– provide relief, pain relief, eliminate inflammation, constrict blood vessels (nasal drops, eye drops, painkillers, anti-inflammatory, folk remedies).
- Antiviral medications- suppress the activity of infection (Ganciclovir, Panavir, Cidofovir, Foscarnet).
- Drugs for syndromic therapy- restore damaged organs and tissues in case of complications (capsules, suppositories, tablets, injections, gels, ointments, drops).
- Immunomodulators- strengthen and stimulate the immune system (Leukinferon, Roferon A, Neovir, Genferon, Viferon).
- Immunoglobulins- bind and destroy viral particles (Neocytotect, Cytotect, Megalotect).
- Vitamin and mineral complex– to support the immune system.
In men, cytomegalovirus is treated with antiviral drugs - Foscarnet, Ganciclovir, Viferon. And immunoglobulins - Cytotect, Megalotect.
In women, cytomegalovirus is treated with antiviral drugs - Acyclovir, Viferon, Genferon, Cycloferon.
List of drugs
- Foscarnet is an antiviral drug. Infectious cytomegalovirus can be treated quite successfully with Foscarnet. It is used for severe cases of the disease and for complex forms of possible exacerbations that can be caused by other diseases. It is advisable to use this drug in an immunocompromised patient. When the drug gets inside a diseased cell, the elongation of the viral chain is disrupted, that is, the drug slows down and then completely stops the active reproduction of the virus.
- Ganciclovir is an antiviral drug. The drug is one of the most effective and quite difficult to use in practice. The drug is prescribed for the course of a disease - cytomegalovirus infection, complicated by particularly severe organ pathologies and fairly extensive inflammation. It is also used for the prevention of viral infection, congenital CMV infection. Release form: tablets and crystalline powder from the group of polar hydrophilic solvents. For eye gel or injection, the drug is available in the form of a lyophilisate. The use of Ganciclovir is advisable in the treatment of cytomegalovirus, a herpetic infection.
- Cytotect is an immunoglobulin. For many patients, Cytotect seems to be one of the most optimal means for treating cytomegaluvirus. The drug combines fairly effective effectiveness and an almost complete absence of general toxicity and relative contraindications. Prescribed for prophylaxis in patients with a drug-suppressed immune system. Prevents mass manifestations of the disease after infection with CMV infection. When used, the following may occur: headaches; nausea and vomiting; chills and increased body temperature; aching joints and mild back pain; sometimes decreased blood pressure.
- Neovir is an immunostimulant. Solution for injection, used as an immunostimulating drug for the treatment and prevention of cytomegalovirus infection in people with immunodeficiency.
- Viferon is an immunomodulator. Suppositories with antiviral action. It is used for complications of infectious diseases, for primary inflammation, as well as relapse of localized cytomegalovirus infection. The drug is administered rectally. When used, it may cause allergies in the form of skin rashes.
- Bishofite is an anti-inflammatory drug. Available in the form of a balm (gel) in a tube or in a glass container in the form of a brine. It is used topically as therapeutic mud or mineral water.
List of vitamins
- C – Broad-spectrum antioxidant. Stimulates the work of cells that consume bacteria and viruses in the blood. Increases the human body's resistance to various infections through cell resistance to the penetration of infectious agents.
- B9 – for powerful support of the production factory (bone marrow) of the human body’s immune system.
The general rules for the treatment of cytomegalovirus include hospitalization of the patient in cases where this is absolutely necessary. Since during the treatment period the patient appears to be a very active source of viral infection for others, the patient must significantly limit any contact with people. Ensure absolute peace as much as possible. Provide the best necessary microclimate conditions. Observe strict rules of personal hygiene. Use a therapeutic and preventive diet.
With strict adherence to these rules and all the recommendations of the attending physician, you can rely on a fairly quick and most effective disposal of the infection and the prevention of complications and relapses.
Treatment with folk remedies
If a person has heard that people were treated for cytomegalovirus with home medicine, then this is a misconception that, thanks to traditional medicine, it is possible to cope with such a difficult task. Treatment of such an infection and all kinds of complications should not occur on its own without the supervision of a specialist. But it is quite advisable to support the immune system with folk remedies.