Learn About Cytomegalovirus Infection
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a disease caused by a type of herpes virus.
CMV mononucleosis; Cytomegalovirus; CMV; Human cytomegalovirus; HCMV
Infection with CMV is very common. The infection is spread by:
- Blood transfusions
- Organ transplants
- Respiratory droplets
- Saliva
- Sexual contact
- Urine
- Tears
Most people come into contact with CMV in their lifetime, often early in life. But usually, people with a weakened immune system, such as those with HIV/AIDS, become ill from CMV infection. Some otherwise healthy people with CMV infection develop mononucleosis-like symptoms.
CMV is a type of herpes virus. Similar to all herpes viruses, CMV remains in your body for the rest of your life after infection. If your immune system becomes weakened in the future, this virus may have the chance to reactivate, causing symptoms.
Many people are exposed to CMV early in life, but do not realize it because they have no symptoms, or they have mild symptoms that resemble the common cold or flu. These may include:
- Enlarged lymph nodes, especially in the neck
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Malaise
- Muscle aches
- Rash
- Sore throat
CMV can cause infections in different parts of the body. Symptoms vary depending on the area that is affected. Examples of body areas that can be infected by CMV are:
- The lungs
- The stomach or intestine
- The back of the eye (retina)
- A baby while still in the womb (congenital CMV)
Most people recover in 4 to 6 weeks without medicine for CMV. Rest is needed, sometimes for a month or longer to regain full activity levels. Painkillers and warm salt-water gargles can help relieve symptoms.
Antiviral medicines and antibody therapy are usually not used in people with healthy immune function, but may be used for people with an impaired immune system.
Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center - Green Spring Station, Lutherville
Dr. Robin Avery is an infectious disease physician who joined the Johns Hopkins faculty in 2012, with two decades of experience in transplant infectious disease. She is a past chair of the American Society of Transplantation (AST) Infectious Disease Community of Practice, was a co-editor of the first edition of the AST ID Guidelines, and serves on a Guidelines Committee for the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) on immunizations in the immunocompromised host. She was the founding head of the Transplant Infectious Disease Section at the Cleveland Clinic and served as the founding director of the Cleveland Clinic Transplant ID Special Fellowship, authoring a curriculum that served as the basis for curricula later endorsed by the AST and IDSA. Her clinical and research interests include pre-transplant donor and recipient evaluation, and prevention and treatment of post-transplant infections, particularly transplant-associated viruses, viral load monitoring, novel therapies for CMV, hypogammaglobulinemia, immunizations, and strategies for safer living post-transplant. She has a strong interest in patient education and co-authored the script for a video designed to educate patients on decreasing post-transplant infection risks. Dr. Avery is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cytomegalovirus Infection. Her top areas of expertise are Cytomegalic Inclusion Disease, Cytomegalovirus Infection, COVID-19, and Sepsis.
MacGregor Infection Medicine And Travel Program
Emily Blumberg is an Infectious Disease provider in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Blumberg is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cytomegalovirus Infection. Her top areas of expertise are Cytomegalovirus Infection, Cytomegalic Inclusion Disease, HIV/AIDS, and Hepatitis C. Dr. Blumberg is currently accepting new patients.
Mark Schleiss is a Pediatrics specialist and an Infectious Disease provider in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Dr. Schleiss is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cytomegalovirus Infection. His top areas of expertise are Congenital Cytomegalovirus, Cytomegalovirus Infection, Cytomegalic Inclusion Disease, Sepsis, and Myringotomy. Dr. Schleiss is currently accepting new patients.
The outcome is good with treatment. The symptoms may be relieved in a few weeks to months.
Throat infection is the most common complication. Rare complications include:
- Colitis (infection and inflammation of the large intestine)
- Guillain-Barré syndrome
- Nervous system (neurologic) complications
- Pericarditis or myocarditis
- Pneumonia
- Rupture of the spleen
- Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis)
Contact your provider for an appointment if you have symptoms of CMV infection.
Go to the emergency room or call 911 or the local emergency number if you have sharp, severe sudden pain in your left upper abdomen. This could be a sign of a ruptured spleen, which may require emergency surgery.
CMV infection can be contagious if the infected person comes in close or intimate contact with another person. You should avoid kissing and sexual contact with an infected person.
The virus may also spread among young children in day care settings.
When planning blood transfusions or organ transplants, the CMV status of the donor can be checked to avoid passing CMV to a recipient who has not had CMV infection.
Summary: In this research study, the investigators want to learn more about the use of donor-derived viral specific T-cells (VSTs) to treat viral infections that occur after allogeneic stem cell transplant. A viral specific T cell is a T lymphocyte (a type of white blood cell) that kills cells that are infected (particularly with viruses). Allogeneic means the stem cells come from another person. These VST...
Summary: This phase III trial determines whether taking prophylactic letermovir will reduce the likelihood of infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV) in children and adolescents after stem cell transplant. The treatments used to prepare for HCT reduce the body's natural infection-fighting ability and increase the likelihood of an infection with a virus called cytomegalovirus. Prophylaxis means to take a drug ...
Published Date: August 29, 2024
Published By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Roy and Diana Vagelos Professor in Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, New York, NY. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Boivin G, Limaye AP. Cytomegalovirus. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 347.
Britt WJ. Cytomegalovirus. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 137.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and congenital CMV infection. Clinical overview of CMV and congenital CMV. www.cdc.gov/cytomegalovirus/hcp/clinical-overview/. Updated April 5, 2024. Accessed September 4, 2024.