cytomegalovirus
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A type of herpesvirus: Cytomegalovirus is any of a group of herpesviruses that can cause cells, particularly epithelial cells, to enlarge (become swollen).
- A pathogen causing specific conditions: This virus is known for potentially causing birth defects if a pregnant person is infected. It is also a significant opportunistic pathogen that can cause serious disease in individuals with weakened or impaired immune systems.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Congenital cytomegalovirus is a leading infectious cause of birth defects.
- Patients undergoing organ transplantation are closely monitored for cytomegalovirus reactivation due to their immunosuppressive therapy.
- The test confirmed an active cytomegalovirus infection.
Advanced Usage
- Medical Context: In clinical settings, the term is often abbreviated as CMV. It is frequently discussed in the contexts of prenatal screening, transplant medicine, and HIV/AIDS care.
- The standard treatment for sight-threatening CMV retinitis is intravenous antiviral therapy.
Variants and Related Words
- CMV: The standard abbreviation for cytomegalovirus.
- Cytomegalic: (Adjective) Relating to or characterized by enlarged cells, often caused by this virus.
- The biopsy showed cytomegalic inclusion bodies.
Synonyms
- Human herpesvirus 5 (HHV-5): The formal taxonomic name for cytomegalovirus.
Notes on Meaning
- The primary meaning is medical and virological. It refers specifically to a member of the subfamily, distinct from other herpesviruses like those causing cold sores (HSV-1) or chickenpox (VZV).
- While it is a common virus often infecting people without symptoms, the term "cytomegalovirus" in usage almost always refers to its pathological potential in vulnerable populations (unborn babies, immunocompromised individuals).
Noun
- any of a group of herpes viruses that enlarge epithelial cells and can cause birth defects; can affect humans with impaired immunological systems