ÃÛÌÒAPP
What is cytomegalovirus (CMV)?
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common viral infection which most people will have encountered by the time they are adults. Often people who are well are unaware that they have had it and CMV then remains dormant in the body after the initial infection.
Cytomegalovirus can cause serious illness in those who have had organ transplants and who are taking immunosuppressant medicines.
How is CMV spread?
CMV is spread through contact with body fluids including saliva, urine, blood, and breast milk and can be passed to an unborn baby during pregnancy.
It can also be passed on during the transplant process through the donor organ. CMV can reactivate in people whose immune system is weakened such as those who have had organ transplants.
How can my child avoid picking up CMV?
Currently, there is not a vaccine available to prevent CMV. There are some simple measures however, that can be taken to help avoid picking up not only CMV but other viruses and bacteria.
These include:
- Handwashing with soap and water particularly before eating, after using the toilet/changing nappies or handling animals.
- Avoiding sharing cups and utensils.
- Avoiding contact with saliva, tears or other bodily secretions.
- Practicing safe sex.
What are the symptoms of cytomegalovirus?
Many people experience either no symptoms or mild symptoms.
These include
- Fatigue,
- Aching muscles
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Swollen glands
- Headache.
For those taking immunosuppressant medicines symptoms can be much more severe and many areas of the body can be affected including:
- Abdomen
- Oesophagus (food pipe)
- Eyes
- Brain
- Chest.
Symptoms can be non-specific so it is important that you speak with your transplant team if your child is unwell and has unexplained symptoms.
What tests can be done to diagnose CMV?
CMV can be diagnosed by taking a blood test, sputum, urine sample or biopsy. Children undergoing an organ transplant will have a blood test before their transplant to check whether they have immunity to CMV.
Their organ donor will also be tested to check whether they have had CMV in the past and whether there will be a risk of passing it on when the transplant is performed.
Can CMV be treated?
CMV can be treated with antiviral medication either by mouth or into a vein. The length of time treatment may be needed can vary depending on the severity of the infection.
Preventative treatment in the form of antiviral medication may be needed for children who do not have immunity to CMV and who are at risk of developing it from their heart or lung transplant donor.
What complications could my child develop after contracting CMV?
Children taking immunosuppressant medication are more likely to be sicker or develop complications after developing CMV.
These can include serious illnesses such as infection in the brain, lungs, liver, eyes, bowels, or blood disorders.
If you are concerned that your child is difficult to wake, has trouble breathing or you are concerned that they are becoming more unwell, seek medical attention by calling 999 or attending your emergency department.
Please also make your child’s transplant team aware on the numbers below.
If you would like to speak to someone further, please don’t hesitate to talk to a member of staff at your next clinic appointment or you can call the children’s transplant nurse specialists on the numbers below.
Resources
Contact
Office hours
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Outside of these times please ring ward 23 on 0191 213 7023 if you have an urgent query affecting your child’s transplant health