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  1. Cytomegalovirus
    CytomegalovirusGenus of viruses
    PrevalenceSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentsDoctors
    MSN Health
     

  2. Cytomegalovirus - Overview

    Verified Expert
    Also known as: CMV
    A common viral infection that is mostly harmless, and only rarely causes illness. This causes body pain, fever, tiredness and sorethroat.
    Condition Highlight
    Urgent medical attention is usually recommended in severe cases by healthcare providers
    Condition Highlight
    Certain types can be dangerous or life threatening
    How common is condition?
    Common (More than 200,000 cases per year in US)
    Is condition treatable?
    Treatable by a medical professional
    Does diagnosis require lab test or imaging?
    Often requires lab test or imaging
    Time taken for recovery
    Can last several days or weeks
    How is condition transmitted?
    Transmitted through direct contact
    See more

    Causes

    Verified Expert

    • The causes include:
    • Acquired CMV spreads from person to person via body fluids such as saliva, semen, blood, urine, vaginal fluids and breast milk.
    • Infection may also occur by touching contaminated surfaces.
    • Recurring CMV can occur in people with weakened immune systems.
    • Congenital CMV occurs when pregnant women infected with CMV during pregnancy or just before conceiving pass it onto their children.

    See more

    Symptoms

    Verified Expert
    Contact your provider if experiencing new, severe, or persistent symptoms.

    Symptoms and severity of the infection varies depending on the individual's immunity (strength to fight the infection). Adults show mild symptoms. The infection to infants from pregnant mother or through breast milk is more severe.

    • Fever
    • Night sweats
    • Tiredness and uneasiness
    • Sore throat
    • Joint and muscle pain
    • Low appetite and weight loss
    • Large mouth ulcers

    In Babies:

    • Low birth weight
    • Jaundice
    • Pneumonia
    • Poor functioning of liver
    • Prolonged Fever
    • Inflammation of the brain
    • Seizures

    See more
    How do you interpret CMV DNA viral load values?
    The interpretation of CMV DNA viral load values can be complex, and numerous virus and host factors should be considered when assessing the risk of CMV disease. An understanding of the performance characteristics of the viral load test is necessary for appropriate interpretation of test results.
    academic.oup.com

    Treatment

    Verified Expert

    It usually resolves without medication. For severe cases, medication is prescribed.

    Medication

    Analgesics: Provide symptom relief.

    Ibuprofen . Aspirin

    Antivirals: Used for congenital or recurring CMV. It slows down the reproduction of virus.

    Ganciclovir

    See more
    cytomegalovirus_en
    Microsoft Start Health

    Diagnosis

    Verified Expert
    One or more of these tests may be recommended by your medical provider.
    Most of the times, CMV infection goes undiagnosed as it does not show any symptoms. However, people with weakened immune systems are advised to undergo screening tests to detect it early and prevent complications.

    Common tests & procedures

    Blood test: Presence of antibodies in the blood indicates recent or past exposure to the virus.

    Viral detection test: Blood, fluid, or tissue sample is used to detect the virus by culturing, or by detecting the viral DNA through molecular methods like polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

    Amniocentesis: If the infection is suspected in pregnant women, amniotic sample may be tested for the presence of the virus.

    See more
    Source: Focus Medica. For informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional for advice. | Disclaimer: Opinions are from external health professionals and should not be considered as Microsoft's opinion or a substitute for professional help. Consult a health professional for medical advice.
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    Table of Contents
    Overview
    Causes
    Symptoms
    How do you interpret CMV DNA viral load values?
    Treatment
    Health guide
    Diagnosis
     
  1. Double-stranded DNA virus
    CMV is a double-stranded DNA virus and is a member of the herpesviruses. Like other herpesviruses, after recovery of the initial infection, CMV remains dormant within the host. Viral reactivation occurs during the compromise of the immune system with immunosuppression.
    Affiliations: Cleveland Clinic Foundation
    Published: 2023/08/08

    Cytomegalovirus - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf

    www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459185/
    www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459185/
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  2. People also ask
    How does CMV express genes?
    Like other herpesviruses, CMV expresses genes in a temporally controlled manner. Early genes within 0 to 4 hours after infection are involved in the regulation of transcription. Early genes within 4 to 48 hours after infection are involved in viral DNA replication and further transcriptional regulation.

    Cytomegalovirus - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf

    ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
    What is Cytomegalovirus (CMV)?

    Dr. Himanshu J. Vats

    Doctor of Medicine (MBBS) · 1.5 years of exp

    Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that belongs to the herpesvirus family. It is estimated that over half of the adult population has been infected with CMV. Most people with CMV do not experience any symptoms, but the virus can cause serious illness in people with weakened immune systems, such as newborns, infants, and people with HIV/AIDS. CMV can be spread through contact with body fluids, such as saliva, urine, blood, semen, and breast milk. It can also be transmitted from mother to baby during pregnancy or childbirth. There is no cure for CMV, but there are treatments available to help reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent complications. Treatment options include antiviral medications, supportive care, and immunoglobulin therapy.
    Q&A: Cytomegalovirus
    bing.com
    How do you interpret CMV DNA viral load values?
    The interpretation of CMV DNA viral load values can be complex, and numerous virus and host factors should be considered when assessing the risk of CMV disease. An understanding of the performance characteristics of the viral load test is necessary for appropriate interpretation of test results.

    Interpreting Quantitative Cytomegalovirus DNA Testing: Understanding

    academic.oup.com
    What is CMV infection?
    CMV infection refers to virus isolation or detection of viral proteins (antigens) or nucleic acid in any body fluid or tissue specimen regardless of symptoms or signs [1,2]. To continue reading this article, you must sign in with your personal, hospital, or group practice subscription.

    Approach to the diagnosis of cytomegalovirus infection

    uptodate.com
    Why is CMV detected in plasma?
    Because latent DNA persists in the cellular fraction of blood, the detection of CMV in plasma is thought to more likely reflect active infection . The use of plasma instead of whole blood in these tests requires rapid separation to keep the DNA from degrading with resultant fragmentation .

    Interpreting Quantitative Cytomegalovirus DNA Testing: Understanding

    academic.oup.com
    What is a quantitative CMV test?
    Quantitative CMV testing is typically performed on whole blood or plasma. Each specimen type has strengths and limitations. CMV DNA is detected more frequently and viral load values are often higher in whole blood compared with plasma because both cell-free and intracellular viruses are detected in the former.

    Interpreting Quantitative Cytomegalovirus DNA Testing: Understanding

    academic.oup.com
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  3. Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org › diseases-conditions › cmv › ...

    Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection - Symptoms & causes - Mayo …

  4. UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com › contents › approach-to-the...

    Approach to the diagnosis of cytomegalovirus infection

  5. MedlinePlus
    https://medlineplus.gov › lab-tests › cyto…

    Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Tests: MedlinePlus Medical Test

    Learn about CMV tests, which check for signs of the virus in the blood, sputum, or other body fluids. Find out who needs testing, how to prepare, and what the results mean.

  6. Cleveland Clinic
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org › health › diseases

    Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infection: Causes & Symptoms - Cleveland …

  7. National Center for Biotechnology Information
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov › books

    Cytomegalovirus - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf

    Aug 8, 2023 · CMV is a double-stranded DNA virus and is a member of the herpesviruses. Like other herpesviruses, after recovery of the initial infection, CMV remains dormant within the host. Viral reactivation occurs during the …

  8. Explore CMV DNA

  9. Oxford Academic
    https://academic.oup.com › cid › article

    Interpreting Quantitative Cytomegalovirus DNA Testing: …

  10. The Merck Manuals
    https://www.merckmanuals.com › media › Manual › Lab...

    Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Tests - Understand the Test & Your Results

  11. Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org › diseases-conditions › cmv › ...

    Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection - Diagnosis & treatment - Mayo …

  12. CDC
    https://www.cdc.gov › cytomegalovirus

    About Cytomegalovirus | Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and …

    May 30, 2024 · Cytomegalovirus (pronounced sy-toe-MEG-a-low-vy-rus or CMV) is a common virus found in people of all ages. A healthy person's immune system usually keeps the virus from causing illness. Some babies born with CMV can …

  13. CDC
    https://www.cdc.gov › cytomegaloviru…

    Clinical Overview of CMV and Congenital CMV

    Apr 5, 2024 · Testing should be done on the baby’s saliva, urine, or blood using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect CMV DNA. A PCR on saliva is preferred, with a confirmation test on urine. Congenital CMV infection cannot …