Word parts
What it means
Most people catch it at some point, often in childhood, and have no symptoms or a mild illness. It spreads through body fluids such as saliva, urine, blood, breast milk and sexual contact, and young children often shed it. It is dangerous in two groups: people with weak immune systems (such as transplant recipients and people with advanced HIV), where it can attack the eyes, lungs and gut, and unborn babies, where it is a leading cause of hearing loss and developmental problems present at birth.
For the nurse
Use standard precautions. Teach pregnant clients to wash hands well after diaper changes and wiping a young child's nose or mouth, and not to share cups or utensils with small children.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | CMV |
|---|---|
| Spanish | citomegalovirus |
| Also written | CMV |
Related terms
cyt/o
A word part that means cell.
immunocompromised
Having an immune system that is weaker than normal at fighting infection.
megal/o
A word part that means large or enlarged.
neonatal
Relating to a newborn baby, in the first 28 days after birth.
transmission
The passing of an infection from one person, animal or object to another.