Cytomegalovirus
The cytomegalovirus, or CMV, is a herpes virus that is spread worldwide and remains in the body for life after infection.
Detailed description
More than half of the world's population is infected with the cytomegalovirus (CMV). In Germany, the majority of adults, approximately 70 percent, are carrier of the virus. After infection, CMV can hide in the body for the rest of one's life. As a rule, it does not make itself felt. But if the immune system is weakened, for example after transplants, it can damage various organs, including the nervous system. It is transmitted by droplet or smear infection. In about 40 percent of cases, a primary infection during pregnancy causes an infection of the unborn child. In most cases this infection remains symptomless, but in about 10 percent of cases complications in the child are to be expected. A CMV infection can be treated with antivirals.
