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, our board-certified gastroenterologists deliver personalized CMV management-from precise diagnostics to tailored antiviral therapy and supportive follow-up. We're committed to your comfort, safety, and long-term health. Book your appointment today and take the first step toward confident, compassionate CMV care.
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CMV (cytomegalovirus) is a common member of the herpesvirus family. After the initial infection-often mild or symptom-free-the virus remains in the body for life and can reactivate if immunity weakens.
CMV is transmitted through infected body fluids, including saliva, urine, blood, breast milk, and sexual secretions. It can also pass from mother to baby during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding, and via organ transplants or blood transfusions.
Those at highest risk include pregnant women (due to congenital CMV), infants, and people with weakened immune systems-such as transplant recipients or individuals receiving chemotherapy.
Diagnosis typically involves blood tests. CMV DNA PCR testing confirms active infection, while CMV IgG/IgM antibody screening assesses past exposure and helps evaluate pregnancy risk.
Treatment depends on patient health and infection severity. Antiviral medications like ganciclovir or valganciclovir are used for active cases. Supportive measures-rest, hydration, and monitoring-are also important.
Yes. If a pregnant woman acquires a primary CMV infection, the virus can cross the placenta and infect the fetus, potentially leading to congenital CMV and long-term complications.
Congenital CMV occurs when a baby is born with CMV infection. It may cause hearing loss, vision problems, developmental delays, or other neurological issues, sometimes even if the newborn shows no immediate symptoms.
CMV retinitis is an infection of the retina caused by CMV, most often in immunocompromised patients. It can lead to blurred vision, floaters, blind spots, and, if untreated, permanent vision loss.
While there is no vaccine, you can reduce CMV risk by practicing good hygiene: wash hands frequently, avoid sharing food or utensils, and use barrier protection during sexual activity if one partner is infected.
Consult a healthcare provider if you're pregnant, experiencing persistent flu-like symptoms, or have a weakened immune system. Early testing and treatment at a CMV-specialized center, like GastroDoxs in Jersey Village, can improve outcomes.
