Author's details
- Dr. Khashau Eleburuike
- MBBS (Ilorin) MSc. Global Health Karolinska Institute.
- Resident doctor in family medicine in Northern Sweden.
Reviewer's details
- Dr. Gboyega Olarinoye
- MBBS, FMCP.
- Dermatologist FMC Keffi Nassarawa State. Nigeria
Cytomegalovirus
Background
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections in darker-skinned individuals can present with a variety of symptoms, including fever, fatigue, and skin manifestations such as purple or reddish spots, which might be harder to detect due to darker skin tones. It is especially concerning in immunocompromised individuals, where it can lead to more severe complications, including retinitis and gastrointestinal involvement. Treatment primarily involves antiviral medications such as ganciclovir or valganciclovir to control the infection and prevent further complications, with supportive care to manage symptoms.
References
- Plosa, E. J., Esbenshade, J. C., Fuller, M. P., & Weitkamp, J. H. (2012). Cytomegalovirus infection. Pediatrics in review, 33(4), 156-163.
- A Ross, S., Novak, Z., Pati, S., & B Boppana, S. (2011). Overview of the diagnosis of cytomegalovirus infection. Infectious Disorders-Drug Targets (Formerly Current Drug Targets-Infectious Disorders), 11(5), 466-474.
- Louisa Lu. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) (Pediatric). 2021; Available at: https://step2.medbullets.com/pediatrics/120576/cytomegalovirus-cmv-pediatric. Accessed -02-16, 2024.
- CMV on the hand. Available at: https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSpSxDetOh2CGiupA17Y08TI1dW8NldLqLd-A&usqp=CAU. Accessed -02-16, 2024.