CMV is a type of herpes virus. It can cause serious illness in those with weak immune systems. Healthy people may not become ill, but they can pass CMV to others.

The Lymphatic Organs

Causes

CMV passes from person to person through body fluids. Examples are:

Kissing
Sexual contact
Breastfeeding
Changing the diaper of an infected baby

CMV can also be passed from mother to baby. This can happen before or during birth.

After a person is infected, the virus stays in the body. It can be inactive for a long time. It can also become active again.

Risk Factors

CMV is very common. The risk is higher for those who:

Have a child in day care and preschool
Work in a day care or preschool
Have sex with an infected person
Have a weak immune system, such as with:
- An organ transplant
- Chemotherapy treatment
- HIV infection or AIDS

Symptoms

CMV infection may cause no symptoms or only mild ones. This is more likely in people with a normal immune system.

When symptoms appear, they may be:

Swollen lymph glands
Sore throat
Fever
Tiredness

People with weaker immune systems may have more severe symptoms such as:

Diarrhea
Bleeding in the intestines
Vision problems
Breathing problems
Seizures or coma

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam may be done.

Blood tests can confirm CMV. A saliva test will be needed for infants.

Treatment

In those with a healthy immune system, CMV will often go away on its own.

Severe infections are treated with antiviral medicine. Other treatment will depend on how severe the infection. The involved organs will also pay a role. The medicine may be given by pill or IV. The length of treatment varies.

Prevention

The risk of CMV infection is lowered by:

Practicing safe sex
Washing hands often, especially after changing diapers
Using gloves to avoid touching body fluids

RESOURCES:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
https://www.cdc.gov

IDSA—Infectious Diseases Society of America
http://www.idsociety.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Herpes Guide
http://www.herpesguide.ca

Public Health Agency of Canada
https://www.canada.ca

References:

Chen SJ, Wang SC, et al. Antiviral agents as therapeutic strategies against cytomegalovirus infections. Viruses. 2019;12(1):21.

Cytomegalovirus. Family Doctor—American Association of Family Physicians website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed February 3, 2021.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and congenital CMV infection. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/cmv/index.html. Accessed February 3, 2021.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in immunocompetent patients. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/cytomegalovirus-cmv-infection-in-immunocompetent-patients. Accessed February 3, 2021.

Last reviewed September 2020 by David L. Horn, MD, FACP
Last Updated: 2/3/2021

EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at healthlibrarysupport@ebsco.com. Our Health Library Support team will respond to your email request within 2 business days.