Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Blood Test

CYTOMEGALOVIRUS (CMV) BLOOD TEST

CMV stands for Cytomegalovirus, which is a common virus that belongs to the herpes virus family. It is widespread and can infect people of all ages. Most healthy people infected with CMV may not experience any symptoms or only have mild symptoms, similar to the common cold. However, it can cause significant health problems for people with weakened immune systems, such as newborns, pregnant women, organ transplant recipients, and people with HIV/AIDS.

CMV is primarily transmitted through bodily fluids, including saliva, urine, blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. Common modes of transmission include close personal contact, such as kissing, sexual contact, breastfeeding, and organ transplantation. It can also be transmitted from an infected mother to her unborn child during pregnancy.

In healthy people, the immune system usually keeps the virus in check, and the infection remains dormant or latent. However, in people with weakened immune systems, CMV can become active and cause severe complications. Some potential complications of CMV infection include pneumonia, hepatitis, retinitis (inflammation of the retina), gastrointestinal issues, and neurological disorders.

Treatment for CMV typically involves antiviral medications to reduce the severity of symptoms and control the spread of the virus in people with compromised immune systems.

2 BIOMARKERS