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Cytomegalovirus Infections
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Infections

Cytomegalovirus Infections

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that remains in the body for life, typically causing no symptoms but posing serious risks to infants and those with weakened immune systems.

Overview

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a virus found around the world. It is related to the viruses that cause chickenpox and infectious mononucleosis (mono). Between 50% and 80% of adults in the United States have had a CMV infection by age 40. Once CMV is in a person's body, it stays there for life.

Transmission and Impact

CMV is spread through close contact with body fluids. Most people with CMV don't get sick and don't know that they've been infected. However, infection with the virus can be serious in babies and people with weak immune systems:

  • If a woman gets CMV when she is pregnant, she can pass it on to her baby.
  • While most babies do not have health problems, some can develop lifelong disabilities.

Diagnosis and Management

A blood test can tell whether a person has ever been infected with CMV. Most people with CMV don't need treatment. If you have a weakened immune system, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medicine. Good hygiene, including proper hand washing, may help prevent infections.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Frequently Asked Questions

CMV is mainly spread through direct contact with body fluids such as saliva, urine, or breast milk. Casual contact is uncommon, but washing hands thoroughly after diaper changes, before meals, and after contact with bodily fluids can lower the risk. Avoid sharing cups or utensils with someone who has a recent CMV infection, especially if you have a weakened immune system.
primary CMV infection during pregnancy can lead to congenital CMV, which may cause hearing loss, vision problems, or developmental delays in the baby. Your obstetrician may recommend a repeat ultrasound, hearing tests for the infant, and possibly antiviral therapy (ganciclovir) if the infection is recent. Regular monitoring and early intervention are key.
simple blood test that looks for CMV‑specific IgG antibodies can confirm past infection. If you have never had a CMV test, ask your doctor to order a serology panel; a positive IgG means the virus is in your body, while a negative result suggests you have not been exposed.
ntiviral therapy is usually reserved for those with active CMV disease—symptoms like retinitis, colitis, or pneumonia—or for high‑risk patients on prophylaxis after transplant. Your clinician will weigh the benefits against drug toxicity, often starting treatment when viral loads rise or clinical signs appear.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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