Associated Herpes Viruses.2

Cytomegalovirus

Infection by the cytomegalovirus (DNA, ether sensitive virus belonging to the herpes family) occurs worldwide and is transmitted by human contact.

About 4 out of 5 people over the age of 35 have been infected with cytomegalovirus usually during childhood or early adulthood. In most of these people, the disease is so mild that it is sometimes overlooked.


CMV infection during pregnancy can be hazardous to the fetus, possibly leading to:

brain damage

neonatal illness.

other birth defects

stillbirth

Cytomegalovirus has been found in:

blood

breast milk

cervical secretions

feces

saliva

semen

urine

vaginal secretions

Transmission usually occurs through contact with the infected secretions, which harbor the virus for months or even years

Risk Groups

Immunodeficient patients

AIDS patients or those who have received transplanted organs are a high risk for contracting CMV infection.

Immunodeficient patients and those receiving immunosuppressives may develop pneumonia or other secondary infections.

Recipients of blood transfusions

Recipients of blood transfusions from donors with positive CMV antibodies are at some risk.

Cytomegalovirus is thought to be spread through the body in lymphocytes or mononuclear cells to the lungs, liver, and central nervous system where it often produces inflammatory reactions.

The disease usually runs a self-limiting course.

Infectious mononucleosis

Infectious mononucleosis is an acute infectious disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a member of the herpes group which usually affects young adults and children.

Infectious mononucleosis produces:

an increase in lymphocytes and monocytes

cervical lymphodenopathy

development of heterophil antibodies

fatigue

fever

headaches

hepatic dysfunction

malaise

sore throat

temperature fluctuations

Recovery prospects are excellent.

Other infectious diseases with symptoms similar to mononucleosis include:

Cervical lymphodenopathy

Hepatitis

Rubella

Toxoplasmosis

Symptoms usually subside about 6-10 days after onset of the disease but may persist for weeks.

Over 80 known viruses exist within the Herpes family, 8 of which are known to cause disease in humans, the most common being Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2.

HSV-1 and HSV-2 look identical under the microscope, and either type can infect the mouth or genitals. HSV-1 usually occurs above the waist, and HSV-2 below the waist.

Source: http://www.herpes-coldsores.com/std/herpes.htm