CMV - Cytomegalovirus

What are the treatments for the disease?

Otherwise healthy people who have CMV do not usually need therapy. For people with severely swollen tonsils, a medicine such as prednisone can be used to reduce the swelling and inflammation.

Antibiotics such as ganciclovir and foscarnet are used to treat active CMV in people with weakened immune systems. These medicines are designed to stop the virus from multiplying, rather than killing it.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

All medicines may have side effects. These may include allergic reactions, stomach upset, and other problems. A low white blood cell count is the most common side effect of ganciclovir. Other side effects depend on the medicines used.

What happens after treatment for the disease?

People who are healthy and get treatment can return to their usual activities once they recover. No further monitoring is generally needed. People who have weakened immune systems may need more careful monitoring for long periods of time, possibly for the rest of their lives.

How is the disease monitored?

For a CMV infection of the eye in people who have AIDS, repeated exams of the eyes and vision testing are needed. Affected people should report any change in their vision. For people with pneumonia or gastrointestinal disease, symptoms, a physical exam, and other blood and X-ray tests are commonly used for monitoring. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the doctor.