Cytomegalovirus
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a member of the Herpesviridae family of viruses and usually causes asymptomatic infection after which it remains latent, primarily within bone marrow derived cells. Can be similar to primary Epstein-Barr virus infection, with fever, malaise and lymphadenopathy.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Ab, IgG
Optimal range: 0 - 0.6 U/mL
What is the Cytomegalovirus test?
This test looks for antibodies to cytomegalovirus (CMV), a virus in the herpes family, in your blood.
CMV is so widespread that most people in the U.S. have been infected by the time they reach age 40. But many don't realize it. You can pick up the virus by handling or exchanging bodily fluids, such as saliva, blood, urine, breast milk, and semen. The virus usually causes only a mild illness. But it can do serious harm to unborn children, people with HIV/AIDS, or others with weak immune systems.
Antibodies are germ-fighting molecules that your immune system makes in response to infection. If you have CMV-specific antibodies in your blood, you may have a CMV infection.
Like other herpes family viruses, CMV hides in the body after the first infection and can flare up again. Later infections tend to be milder. In fact, in adults with a healthy immune system, the first infection may not have any symptoms.
LEARN MORECytomegalovirus (CMV) Ab, IgM
Optimal range: 0 - 30 AU/mL
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a member of the Herpesviridae family of viruses and usually causes asymptomatic infection after which it remains latent in patients, primarily within bone marrow derived cells. Primary CMV infection in immunocompetent individuals may manifest as a mononucleosis-type syndrome, similar to primary Epstein-Barr virus infection, with fever, malaise and lymphadenopathy.
CMV is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among bone marrow or solid organ transplant recipients, individuals with AIDS, and other immunosuppressed patients due to virus reactivation or from a newly acquired infection. Infection in these patient populations can affect almost any organ and lead to multiorgan failure. CMV is also responsible for congenital disease among newborns and is one of the TORCH infections (toxoplasmosis, other infections including syphilis, rubella, CMV, and herpes simplex virus).
LEARN MORECytomegalovirus Antibody (IGG)
Optimal range: 0 - 0.89 Units
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that usually causes no symptoms or only mild illness. CMV testing detects antibodies in the blood that the body produces in response to the infection or detects CMV directly.
In the United States, as many as 60% of people have been exposed to CMV at some point in their life. Almost 1 out of every 3 children have been exposed to CMV by age 5 and more than half of adults are exposed to CMV by age 40.
LEARN MORECytomegalovirus Antibody (IGM)
Optimal range: 0 - 0.8 Units
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that usually causes no symptoms or only mild illness. CMV testing detects antibodies in the blood that the body produces in response to the infection or detects CMV directly.
In the United States, as many as 60% of people have been exposed to CMV at some point in their life. Almost 1 out of every 3 children have been exposed to CMV by age 5 and more than half of adults are exposed to CMV by age 40.
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