Aa
Autoimmune
Can I be CMV- and have an autoimmune disease?
I have suffered with some type of autoimmune for 13 years. It was only during a recent blood drive that I was told I am CMV-. Wasn't sure I could have a form of autoimmune and be CMV-.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi!
CMV is a viral infection. This is not an autoimmune disease. However, during active CMV infection, the CMV virus modulates the host’s (or your) immunity in such a way that it gives the picture of either immune-suppression or an autoimmune disease like phenomena. This could have happened in your case too. On the other hand, at the start of an autoimmune disease, due to a change in host’s immunity, the person becomes more prone to infection. In such cases, CMV infection is most common. You can discuss this with your treating doctor as well.
Take care!
CMV is a viral infection. This is not an autoimmune disease. However, during active CMV infection, the CMV virus modulates the host’s (or your) immunity in such a way that it gives the picture of either immune-suppression or an autoimmune disease like phenomena. This could have happened in your case too. On the other hand, at the start of an autoimmune disease, due to a change in host’s immunity, the person becomes more prone to infection. In such cases, CMV infection is most common. You can discuss this with your treating doctor as well.
Take care!
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