Question
The doctor diagnosed the newborn with cytomegalovirus infection. What are the potential effects if it is not treated?
Answer
Cytomegalovirus infection can cause severe organ damage, including the circulatory, nervous, immune, blood, liver, and kidney systems. The virus can persist in the body for a long time and cannot be completely killed; it can only be suppressed from replicating. Transmission routes include the placenta or birth canal. Severe infections may require antiviral medications, but the type of infection and symptoms vary from person to person, ranging from overt to chronic infections, even systemic infections. Specific situations should be further examined.