Published: 18 Jun 2025

ICD9: 771.1      ICD10: P35.1      ICD11: 1D82

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a common viral infection.
Many people get infected with CMV at some point in their lives, but most don't even know it because it rarely causes symptoms in healthy individuals.

Here's a breakdown of key aspects of CMV infection:

What is CMV?

CMV belongs to the herpesvirus family, which also includes viruses that cause chickenpox, shingles, herpes simplex (cold sores and genital herpes), and Epstein-Barr virus (mononucleosis).
Like other herpesviruses, once you are infected with CMV, the virus remains in your body for life, though it usually stays inactive (latent).

How is CMV spread?

CMV spreads through close contact with body fluids, including:

Saliva
Urine
Blood
Tears
Breast milk
Semen
Vaginal fluids

Common ways it can spread:

From pregnant women to their babies (congenital CMV) - This is the most concerning route of transmission.
Through sexual contact
By sharing food or utensils with someone who has the virus
Through blood transfusions or organ transplants (less common due to screening)
From children to caregivers, especially in daycare settings

Symptoms of CMV Infection:

Healthy People: Most healthy adults and children who get CMV infection have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, such as:
Fever
Sore throat
Fatigue
Muscle aches
Swollen glands (similar to mononucleosis)

People with Weakened Immune Systems: People with compromised immune systems (e.g., due to HIV/AIDS, organ transplantation, chemotherapy) can experience more serious symptoms, including:
Pneumonia (lung infection)
Hepatitis (liver inflammation)
Encephalitis (brain inflammation)
Gastrointestinal problems (ulcers, colitis)
Eye problems (retinitis, which can lead to blindness)
Nervous system problems

Babies Infected Before Birth (Congenital CMV): Congenital CMV can cause a range of problems, from mild to severe, including:
Hearing loss (most common long-term problem)
Developmental delays
Intellectual disability
Vision problems
Seizures
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Small head size (microcephaly)
Enlarged liver and spleen

Diagnosis:

CMV infection can be diagnosed through various laboratory tests, including:
Blood tests (to detect antibodies or the virus itself)
Urine tests
Saliva tests
Tissue biopsies

Treatment:

Healthy People: Treatment is usually not necessary for healthy people with CMV infection, as the symptoms are typically mild and self-limiting.
People with Weakened Immune Systems and Congenital CMV: Antiviral medications (e.g., ganciclovir, valganciclovir, foscarnet, cidofovir) can be used to treat CMV infection in people with weakened immune systems and in infants with congenital CMV. These medications can help to reduce the severity of the infection and prevent complications. However, these drugs can have significant side effects.

Prevention:

Good hygiene: The best way to prevent CMV infection is to practice good hygiene, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, particularly after changing diapers, feeding young children, or handling body fluids.
Pregnant women: Pregnant women should be especially careful about hygiene to prevent CMV infection, as it can be harmful to the developing fetus. Specifically, pregnant women and women planning to become pregnant should:
Wash hands frequently, especially after contact with diapers or young children's saliva.
Avoid sharing food, drinks, or utensils with young children.
Avoid putting a child's pacifier in their mouth.

Key Points to Remember:

CMV is a very common virus.
Most healthy people infected with CMV have no symptoms or mild symptoms.
CMV infection can be more serious in people with weakened immune systems and in babies infected before birth.
Good hygiene is the best way to prevent CMV infection.
There is no vaccine currently available for CMV.

If you are concerned about CMV infection, especially if you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system, talk to your doctor. They can assess your risk and recommend appropriate testing and management strategies.