Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

People who are infected with CMV can pass it on via such body fluids as saliva, urine, blood, tears, semen and breast milk. A woman who is infected with CMV can pass it on to her developing baby during pregnancy.

Transmission

Laboratory testing involves Immunoassay (ELISA) and ELISPOT (T-cell testing) can be an effective tool in monitoring and managing the infection.

Testing

CMV is a very common viral infection that affects people of all ages around the world. Once an individual is infected with CMV, it remains in the body throughout their life and can be reactivated when they become immune-compromised. Most people don’t realize that they have acquired a CMV infection when they are healthy. CMV can be a cause for concern in pregnant women and immune-compromised individuals. Congenital CMV can cause morbidity and even death and is a leading cause of deafness, learning disabilities and intellectual disability.

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Healthy individuals do not experience any signs or symptoms of CMV despite having acquired the infection and therefore aren’t aware of being infected. Mild symptoms in healthy individuals include:

1. Fever

2. Swollen glands

3. Fatigue

4. Sore throat

5. Low appetite and weight loss

6. Joint and muscle pain

People who are immune-compromised may have more serious symptoms that can affect their lungs, liver, eyes, stomach and intestine.

Symptoms

Treatment

There is no cure for CMV. People who have recently been infected can take over-the-counter medication such as Tylenol and ibuprofen to relieve pain, as well as drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Patients with congenital CMV or recurring CMV can use antiviral medications to slow down the spread of the virus.