Cytomegalovirus Pneumonia

Cytomegalovirus pneumonia is a lung infection caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV), a very common virus that is usually harmless but can cause serious illness in people with weakened defenses, such as those who receive a transplant or live with immunosuppression.

Common symptoms: Fever, dry cough, shortness of breath that worsens with exertion, and significant tiredness.

Who is at greater risk? People with transplants, on treatment that lowers the defenses, or with infections that affect the immune system.

When should you seek care? In the face of fever and difficulty breathing, especially if you have low defenses, care should be prompt.

Which specialist treats it? The infectious disease specialist and the internist are the appropriate professionals to study and follow up on this infection. If you are part of a risk group and notice these symptoms, don't wait for them to progress: seek medical evaluation.