CMV is a common member of the herpesvirus family. Once you're infected, the virus remains in your body for life-often lying dormant and causing no symptoms. If your immune system weakens, CMV can reactivate. When a pregnant woman transmits CMV to her unborn child, it's called congenital CMV and may lead to long-term health issues for the baby.
Many healthy adults never notice symptoms. When they do occur, they can resemble a mild "mono-like" illness:
In people with weakened immunity (for example, transplant recipients or those on chemotherapy), CMV can cause more serious complications:
CMV is passed through direct contact with infected body fluids. Common routes of transmission include:
At GastroDoxs in Cypress, our CMV specialists and gastroenterologists deliver patient-centered care tailored to every stage-from prenatal screening and antiviral management to feeding support and long-term monitoring. With compassionate guidance, advanced diagnostics, and clear treatment plans, we help you and your family navigate congenital and adult CMV with confidence and peace of mind.
Ready to get started? Book an appointment today with our expert CMV care team and take the first step toward personalized support and improved outcomes.
We've successfully treated more than 1K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Congenital CMV is an infection passed from a pregnant mother to her baby before or during birth. It can lead to hearing loss, vision problems, growth delays, or other developmental issues.
Newborns are tested for CMV using saliva, blood, or urine samples collected within the first three weeks of life. Early diagnosis allows prompt monitoring and treatment.
CMV screening is often recommended for high-risk pregnancies. Speak with your OB-GYN and CMV specialists to determine if routine testing is right for you.
Both valganciclovir (oral) and ganciclovir (IV) are antiviral medications used to treat CMV in infants. They can affect blood counts, so regular monitoring is required to manage side effects.
Our team offers lactation support, formula recommendations, and growth tracking to ensure infants with CMV receive adequate nutrition and thrive.
Yes. Most healthy adults experience mild or no symptoms. However, those with weakened immune systems may develop more severe illness and require antiviral treatment.
CMV is transmitted through close contact with infected body fluids-saliva, urine, blood, breast milk-or via organ transplants and blood transfusions, as well as from mother to baby.
With early care and ongoing monitoring, many children with congenital CMV develop normally. Some may need therapies or periodic hearing and vision assessments.
If your child has feeding or digestive issues, requires antiviral therapy, or you need specialized advice on CMV management, consult our Cypress GI and CMV care team.
Preventive measures include frequent handwashing, avoiding sharing utensils or personal items, practicing safe breastfeeding techniques, and following recommended prenatal care guidelines.
