GLVitamins

Friday, June 22, 2012

Cytomegalovirus Treatment And Prevention

When the virus enters the body it remains there forever, without showing itself. Today there exists no drugs that remove cytomegalovirus from the body. Virus doesn't threaten people with strong immune system.

Cytomegalovirus cannot show himself under conditions of normally functioning anti-infectious system. On this basis, there is no need to treat healthy people who have no cytomegalovirus symptoms.

In HIV infections and other immunodeficient diseases, when cytomegalovirus causes clinically significant symptoms, are used different anti-viral medications which do inhibit virus multiplication but, unfortunately, are not able to remove virus from the body.

Before planning pregnancy each woman with cytomegalovirus should go to the gynecologist and make blood test for detecting cytomegalovirus antibodies. If in her blood were found protective antibodies called immunoglobulin, then there is no need to fear and the woman may easily plan her pregnancy.  Antiviral drugs are not used during pregnancy because of their numerous side effects.

Prevention
In many laboratories are developed vaccines against cytomegalovirus. However, there no exists in the world a registered vaccine that prevents from primary infection and appearing of congenital  cytomegalovirus infection. Vaccination with depauperated strains of  cytomegalovirus is effectively used in medical centers in the USA and Europe in people with transplanted kidneys.

As you know, cytomegalovirus is transmitted via infected body liquids, therefore it is important to practice proper hygiene that includes frequent handwashing, avoiding mouth kissing and avoiding usage of foreign dishes and objects of personal hygiene. Women who work in conditions of high risks for cytomegalovirus infection must make laboratory tests before planning their pregnancy.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Cytomegalovirus Diagnostics

 Diagnostics is based on detection of signs of virus standing in human body and includes next laboratory tests:

 - Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is considered today most accurate method to diagnose viral infections.

 - Blood tests that help to detect antibodies to cytomegalovirus.

 - Microscopic examination of swabs of saliva, sperm, secretion from cervix and vagina, delivery waters (during pregnancy) to detect giant cells with typical incorporations (symptom of eye agate).

Instrumental method helping to detect viral infection in fetus is ultrasound examination.

Ultrasound examination helps to detect intrauterine growth retardation, hepatomegaly, increase of brain ventricles, liquid in abdominal cavity (ascites), calcifications in liver and intestine.