Question
A 30-plus-day-old infant was diagnosed with cytomegalovirus infection due to mild jaundice. Although liver function tests showed ALT within the normal range and GGT slightly elevated, hearing and other tests were normal. After a one-week hospital stay, all tests were mostly normal. How should this mild cytomegalovirus infection be treated?
Answer
For hepatitis caused by cytomegalovirus, a combined treatment approach using both traditional Chinese and Western medicine can be adopted. Chinese herbal formulas include dandelion, forsythia, peony root, rhubarb, mugwort root, poria cocos, and plantain seed, decocted into a daily dose. Single herbs like glycyrrhizin can enhance immune function. Cordyceps can nourish the lungs and kidneys, stabilize liver function. However, even after discontinuing medication, the virus may reactivate. Currently, there are two new antiviral drugs or vaccines available; one is developed based on the AD169 strain and another from the TOWn strain. After non-oral administration, they have shown significant anticytomegalovirus effects, leading to a decrease in CMV antibodies and thereby enhancing immune function.