Learn About Cytomegalovirus Infection

What is the definition of Cytomegalovirus Infection?

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a disease caused by a type of herpes virus.

What are the alternative names for Cytomegalovirus Infection?

CMV mononucleosis; Cytomegalovirus; CMV; Human cytomegalovirus; HCMV

What are the causes of Cytomegalovirus Infection?

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.

What are the symptoms of Cytomegalovirus Infection?

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)
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What are the current treatments for Cytomegalovirus Infection?

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.

Who are the top Cytomegalovirus Infection Local Doctors?

Stanford Health Care

300 Pasteur Dr, 
Stanford, CA 
 59.6 mi

Maha Mohamed is a Nephrologist in Stanford, California. Dr. Mohamed and is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cytomegalovirus Infection. Her top areas of expertise are Cytomegalovirus Infection, Cytomegalic Inclusion Disease, Parainfluenza Virus Type 3, Chronic Kidney Disease, and Kidney Transplant.

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Infectious Disease

Stanford Health Care

300 Pasteur Dr, 
Stanford, CA 
 59.6 mi
Offers Telehealth

Dora Ho is an Infectious Disease provider in Stanford, California. Dr. Ho and is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cytomegalovirus Infection. Her top areas of expertise are Cytomegalic Inclusion Disease, Cytomegalovirus Infection, Cryptococcosis, Disseminated Tuberculosis, and Tissue Biopsy.

 
 
 
 
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Ucsf Medical Group Business Services

505 Parnassus Ave, 
San Francisco, CA 
 86.1 mi

Flavio Vincenti is a Nephrologist in San Francisco, California. Dr. Vincenti and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cytomegalovirus Infection. His top areas of expertise are Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis, Chronic Kidney Disease, Cytomegalic Inclusion Disease, Cytomegalovirus Infection, and Kidney Transplant.

What is the outlook (prognosis) for Cytomegalovirus Infection?

The outcome is good with treatment. The symptoms may be relieved in a few weeks to months.

What are the possible complications of Cytomegalovirus Infection?

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)
When should I contact a medical professional for Cytomegalovirus Infection?

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.

How do I prevent Cytomegalovirus Infection?

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.

What are the latest Cytomegalovirus Infection Clinical Trials?
A Phase I Pharmacokinetic and Safety Assessment of Oral Letermovir in Infants With Symptomatic Congenital Cytomegalovirus Disease

Summary: This is a Phase 1 single-arm open-label study of letermovir in neonates with symptomatic congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease. There will be two groups enrolled. Group 1 will be comprised of 4 subjects. Following documentation study inclusion and signing of informed consent, Group 1 subjects will receive one dose of oral letermovir (Study Day 0), using the dose bands. A full pharmacokinetics (...

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A Phase 1/2a Open-Label Dose-Ranging and Observer-Blind Placebo-Controlled, Safety and Immunogenicity Study of mRNA-1647 Cytomegalovirus Vaccine in Female and Male Participants 9 to 15 Years of Age and Participants 16 to 25 Years of Age

Summary: The main purpose of study is to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of different dose levels of mRNA-1647 versus control in healthy cytomegalovirus (CMV)-seronegative and CMV-seropositive female and male participants 9 to 15 years of age. In addition, mRNA-1647 will be evaluated in female participants 16 to 25 years as a comparator cohort.

Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

Published Date: August 29, 2024
Published By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Associate in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

What are the references for this article ?

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.