Alternate Names : CMV – congenital, Congenital CMV, Cytomegalovirus – congenital
Definition
Congenital cytomegalovirus is a group of symptoms that occur when an infant is infected with the cytomegalovirus (CMV) before birth.
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Congenital cytomegalovirus occurs when an infected mother passes CMV to the fetus through the placenta. The mother’s illness may not have symptoms, so she may be unaware that she has CMV.
Pictures & Images
Congenital cytomegalovirus
Congenital cytomegalovirus is caused when an infected mother passes the virus to the fetus through the placenta. The infant is characteristically born with a rash, a large spleen or liver, jaundice, inflammation of the retina, and a small head.
Antibodies
Antigens are large molecules (usually proteins) on the surface of cells, viruses, fungi, bacteria, and some non-living substances such as toxins, chemicals, drugs, and foreign particles. The immune system recognizes antigens and produces antibodies that destroy substances containing antigens.
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Congenital cytomegalovirus : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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Congenital cytomegalovirus : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Congenital cytomegalovirus : Treatment
Review Date : 9/3/2008
Reviewed By : D. Scott Smith, M.D., MSc, DTM&H, Chief of Infectious Disease & Geographic Medicine, Kaiser Redwood City, CA & Adjunct Assistant Professor, Stanford University.Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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