CMV pneumonia is caused by a member of a group of herpes-type viruses. Infection with CMV is very common. Most humans are exposed to CMV in their lifetime, but typically only individuals with weakened immune systems become ill from CMV infection
Serious CMV infections can occur in people with weakened immune systems from conditions such as:
Chemotherapy or other treatments that suppress the immune system
Organ transplant
In people who have had organ and bone marrow transplants, the risk of infection is greatest 5 - 13 weeks after the transplant.
Symptoms
In otherwise healthy people, CMV usually produces no symptoms. or a temporary mononucleosis-type illness. Those with weakened immune system can develop serious symptoms, however. Symptoms may include:
The objective of treatment is to stop the virus from copying in the body through the use of antiviral drugs. Some people with CMV pneumonia will need to get medication through a vein (intravenously). Some people might initially need oxygen therapy and breathing support with a ventilator to maintain oxygen until the infection is brought under control.
Expectations (prognosis)
Antiviral medications stop the virus from copying itself, but do not destroy it. The CMV suppresses the immune system, and may increase your risk of other infections.
Low oxygen levels in the blood in people with CMV pneumonia often predicts death, especially in patients who need to be placed on a breathing machine.
Complications
Complications of CMV infection in people with AIDS include:
Overwhelming infection that doesn't respond to treatment
Return of CMV infections
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of CMV pneumonia.
Prevention
The following have been shown to help prevent CMV pneumonia in certain patients:
Using organ transplant donors who don't have CMV
Using CMV-negative blood products for transfusion
Using CMV-immune globulin in certain patients
Preventing AIDS avoids certain other diseases, including CMV, that can occur in people who have a weakened immune system. Certain people with AIDS who have a CD4 count of less than 100 should consider taking preventive treatment for CMV.
Review Date:
12/6/2011
Reviewed By:
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
