Cytomegalovirus infection (CMV) is caused by one of the herpes family viruses. It is not dangerous for most people. This virus only poses a threat to newborns, pregnant women, people infected with HIV, and those suffering from other immune problems, such as a health condition after chemotherapy for cancer. If you have been diagnosed with cytomegalovirus infection, you can undergo your treatment at German hospitals. German doctors will help you recover from CMV and restore your immunity. They will also try to prevent complications and long-term consequences of the infection.
Content
- How is CMV treated?
- Where to undergo treatment?
Cytomegalovirus infection is treated with antiviral drugs and immunoglobulins can sometimes be used as well. Pathogenetic treatment is carried out simultaneously, which is aimed at managing complications. Many critically ill children require intensive care under continuous monitoring of vital signs.
You can seek medical attention from the University Hospital Essen, the University Hospital Duesseldorf, or the University Hospital Ulm.
You do not have to take care of all the arrangements for your trip yourself as the Booking Health specialists will take care of these concerns. We will help you select a clinic, contact its administration and agree on everything. We will also book airline tickets and a hotel for you and arrange your transfer from the airport to the clinic and back.
How is CMV treated?
The task of treating a cytomegalovirus infection is primarily to eliminate the virus. Complications of the infection are treated during the recovery period. Once a patient recovers, they require immune support and treatment of the main disease that has led to the activation of CMV.
Treatment depends on the patient's age. It can even be carried out in utero if signs of CMV are detected in time. Basically, doctors deal with the congenital form of CMV in children. Sometimes adult patients with a manifest (symptomatic) course of infection, as a rule, severe immunodeficiency, seek medical attention.
Treatment of fetal CMV. The signs of fetal lesions can be detected in utero with ultrasound diagnostics. In this case, hyperimmune immunoglobulin therapy for 3 days is indicated. The drug is injected into a woman intravenously.
Treatment for children. The congenital form of cytomegalovirus infection is very dangerous as it can lead to severe complications and has a high mortality rate. If there is a reason to believe that the child will be born with this infection, you should immediately go to Germany, even before the child is born. Immediately after the childbirth, the newborn baby will be transferred to the Department of Neonatal Pathology where the necessary care will be provided.
Etiotropic therapy for cytomegalovirus infection includes the following:
- antiviral agents from the acyclic nucleoside group;
- anti-cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin.
The drugs are administered intravenously. They contribute to the removal of the virus from the body, but this does not happen instantly, and pathogenetic treatment is therefore also required. It is aimed at maintaining the life of the child, preventing complications and combating complications that have already developed. It can be not only drug therapy but also surgical interventions. Many children with CMV develop intracranial hypertension, which requires shunting to restore normal CSF flow. Patients in a serious condition undergo their treatment in the Intensive Care Unit.
Treatment for adults. CMV is only dangerous for people with immunodeficiencies such as HIV. In such people, the virus may cause pneumonia, meningitis, retinitis (retinal inflammation), or colitis (bowel inflammation). Patients receive antiviral and symptomatic therapy. Once remission is achieved, continuous maintenance therapy is required. If a person has HIV, well-performed control of the main disease is necessary. Antiretroviral therapy is prescribed to a patient. Antivirals for CMV prophylaxis can be canceled if the CD4 cell count is greater than 100/mcL.
Where to undergo treatment?
You can undergo your treatment of cytomegalovirus infection in Germany. There are a few reasons for you to visit this country. These are as follows:
- top-class medicine;
- reputable doctors who achieve excellent results in the fight against cytomegalovirus infection;
- modern Perinatal Centers where a newborn baby can receive medical care immediately after birth;
- the very latest drugs;
- low mortality of patients even with severe forms of cytomegalovirus infection;
- comprehensive rehabilitation after the completion of treatment;
- detection and elimination of the causes of severe CMV so that a patient will not suffer from the disease in the future.
You are welcome to visit the Booking Health website to find the cost of treatment and choose a medical care program at a favorable price. We will select the most suitable clinics in Germany for you and take care of all the arrangements for your trip.
Authors:
The article was edited by medical experts, board-certified doctors Dr. Sergey Pashchenko and Dr. Vadim Zhiliuk. For the treatment of the conditions referred to in the article, you must consult a doctor; the information in the article is not intended for self-medication!
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Healthline
The Lancet
