en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_betaherpesvirus_5
Human betaherpesvirus 5, also called human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), is species of virus in the genus Cytomegalovirus, which in turn is a member of the viral family known as Herpesviridae or herpesviruses.
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Although they may be found throughout the body, HCMV infections are frequently associated with the salivary glands.
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HCMV infection is typically unnoticed in healthy people, but can be life-threatening for the immunocompromised, such as HIV-infected persons, organ transplant recipients, or newborn infants.
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After infection, HCMV remains latent within the body throughout life and can be reactivated at any time.
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Eventually, it may cause mucoepidermoid carcinoma and possibly other malignancies such as prostate cancer and breast cancer.
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HCMV is found in all geographic locations and all socioeconomic groups, and infects between 60% and 70% of adults in the first world and almost 100% in the third world.
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Of all herpes viruses, HCMV harbors the most genes dedicated to altering (evading) innate and adaptive host immunity and represents a lifelong burden of antigenic T cell surveillance and immune dysfunction.
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HCMV infection is more widespread in developing countries and in communities with lower socioeconomic status and represents the most significant viral cause of birth defects in industrialized countries.
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Congenital HCMV is the leading infectious cause of deafness, learning disabilities, and intellectual disability in children.
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Signs and symptoms
Human betaherpesvirus 5 infection has a classic triad of symptoms:
- fever, peaking in the late afternoon or early evening;
- pharyngitis, usually exudative;
- symmetrical adenopathy.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_betaherpesvirus_5#Signs_and_symptoms
Pregnancy and congenital infection
Up to 5 of every 1,000 live births are infected
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Five percent develop multiple handicaps, and develop cytomegalic inclusion disease with nonspecific signs that resemble rubella.
Another five percent later develop cerebral calcification (decreasing IQ levels dramatically and causing sensorineural **deafness **and psychomotor retardation).
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_betaherpesvirus_5#Pregnancy_and_congenital_infection