CMV - pneumonia

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Antibodies

CMV pneumonia

Pneumonia - cytomegalovirus; Cytomegalovirus pneumonia; Troll of transplantation

The objective of treatment is to stop the replication of the virus within the body through the use of antiviral agents, such as ganciclovir or foscarnet (which are both given intravenously, directly into a vein) and valganciclovir (which is taken orally). Oxygen therapy and breathing support with a ventilator may initially be necessary to maintain oxygenation until the infection is brought under control.

Antiviral medications stop the replication of the virus, but do not destroy it. CMV is, in itself, immunosuppressive and may increase the risk of other infections due to the additive immunosuppression.

• relapse of infection
• overwhelming infection not responsive to treatment
• low white blood cell count with use of ganciclovir
• kidney impairment with use of foscarnet

Call your health care provider if symptoms of CMV pneumonia occur.

Review Date: 02/13/2006
Reviewed By: Monica Gandhi, M.D., M.P.H., Assistant Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases, UCSF, San Fransico, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.