Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a virus belonging to the herpes family. The disease occurs worldwide and is transmitted by human contact. About four out of five people over age 35 have been infected with cytomegalovirus, usually during childhood or early adulthood. In most of these people, the disease is so mild that it’s overlooked. However, CMV infection during pregnancy can be hazardous to the fetus, possibly leading to stillbirth, brain damage, other birth defects, or neonatal illness.
Cytomegalovirus has been found in the saliva, urine, semen, breast milk, feces, blood, and vaginal and cervical secretions of infected persons. Transmission usually takes place through contact with these infected secretions, which harbor the virus for months or even years. Immunodeficient patients (AIDS patients or who have those who have received transplanted organs), are at high risk of contracting CMV infection. Recipients of blood transfusions from donors with positive CMV antibodies are at some risk. Cytomegalovirus is probably spread through the body in lymphocytes or mononuclear cells to the lungs, liver, and central nervous system where it often produces inflammatory reactions. In most patients, the disease usually runs a benign, self-limiting course. However, immunodeficient patients and those receiving immunosuppressives may develop pneumonia or other secondary infections.
Signs, symptoms & indicators of CMV Infection
Having a slight/having a moderate/having a high fever
Conditions that suggest CMV Infection
Scleroderma
Viruses have long been held to be of pathogenetic importance in the evolution of autoimmune connective tissue disease. The role of tumor necrosis factor alpha blockers in scleroderma cases temporally associated with CMV infection requires further evaluation. [PubMed. Hum Pathol. 2006, Nov 2]
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
14 patients with chronic symptoms of disabling fatigue in association with serologic evidence of active Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection were studied. Two thirds were women, and the average age at onset was 29 years. Forty-three percent were known to have had previous infectious mononucleosis, but the usual criteria for that diagnosis were not helpful with the present syndrome. Eighty-six percent had serologic evidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Profound immunodeficiency was not present, but 71% had partial hypogammaglobulinemia, and minor abnormalities of T cell subsets were noted in six of seven patients studied. Fifty-seven percent achieved temporary serologic and symptomatic remission after an average duration of 33 months. Only one patient has a sustained remission. [South Med J. 1984 ov;77(11): pp.1376-82]
CMV
Counter Indicators
Absence of CMV
Risk factors for CMV Infection
Recommendations for CMV Infection
BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)
Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a potent inactivator of lipid-enveloped viruses.
Coconut
CMV is one of the lipid-enveloped viruses reported by Dr. Enig to be inactivated by monolaurin from coconut oil. See also Monolaurin.
Lithium (low dose)
One research group reported that lithium inhibits the reproduction of several viruses, including herpes simplex viruses (HSV 1, HSV 2), adenovirus (the “common cold” virus), cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus (associated with mononucleosis and many cases of chronic fatigue), and the measles virus.
Ozone / Oxidative Therapy
Using ozone at home requires an aggressive program to reverse active CMV. Usually, a doctor will recommend autohemotherapy when dealing with viruses like CMV.
Key
| Weak or unproven link |
| Proven definite or direct link |
| Very strongly or absolutely counter-indicative |
| May do some good |
| Likely to help |
| Highly recommended |
Glossary
Cytomegalovirus
(CMV): A member of the herpes virus family which may induce the immune-deficient state or cause active illness, such as pneumonia, in a patient already immune-deficient due to chronic illness, such as cancer or organ transplantation therapy.
Virus
Any of a vast group of minute structures composed of a protein coat and a core of DNA and/or RNA that reproduces in the cells of the infected host. Capable of infecting all animals and plants, causing devastating disease in immunocompromised individuals. Viruses are not affected by antibiotics, and are completely dependent upon the cells of the infected host for the ability to reproduce.
Neonatal
A term that refers to newborn infants, particularly during the first four weeks of life.
Antibody
A type of serum protein (globulin) synthesized by white blood cells of the lymphoid type in response to an antigenic (foreign substance) stimulus. Antibodies are complex substances formed to neutralize or destroy these antigens in the blood. Antibody activity normally fights infection but can be damaging in allergies and a group of diseases that are called autoimmune diseases.
Nervous System
A system in the body that is comprised of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, ganglia and parts of the receptor organs that receive and interpret stimuli and transmit impulses to effector organs.
Benign
Literally: innocent; not malignant. Often used to refer to cells that are not cancerous.
Autoimmune Disease
One of a large group of diseases in which the immune system turns against the body's own cells, tissues and organs, leading to chronic and often deadly conditions. Examples include multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, Bright's disease and diabetes.
Necrosis
Death of one or more cells, or of a portion of a tissue or organ.
Chronic
Usually Chronic illness: Illness extending over a long period of time.
Epstein Barr virus
(EBV): A virus that causes infectious mononucleosis and that is possibly capable of causing other diseases in immunocompromised hosts.
Mononucleosis
An acute, infectious disease caused by the herpes virus, Epstein-Barr virus, with fever and inflamed swelling of the lymph nodes around the neck, under the arms, and in the groin.