CMV is a common member of the herpesvirus family. Most healthy adults infected with CMV experience few or no symptoms, but the virus remains dormant in the body for life. In certain groups-such as pregnant women, unborn babies, newborns with congenital infection, and people with weakened immune systems-CMV can cause serious health issues.
Many people with CMV are asymptomatic. When symptoms do appear, they often resemble a mild flu or mono-like illness. In congenital or severe cases, additional signs may develop.
CMV spreads through direct contact with infected body fluids. You can become infected by:
At GastroDoxs in Katy, we combine patient-centered care with specialized CMV management to deliver expert diagnostics and tailored treatment plans. Our multidisciplinary team-including gastroenterologists, obstetricians, and pediatric specialists-works together to protect you and your baby from the risks of CMV, ensuring close monitoring, compassionate support, and long-term follow-up.
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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 occurs when a mother passes cytomegalovirus to her baby during pregnancy. It can lead to outcomes such as hearing loss, vision problems, or developmental delays.
Approximately 1 in 150 pregnancies results in CMV transmission to the fetus. Most pregnant women with CMV show no noticeable symptoms.
Children affected by congenital CMV may experience hearing loss, vision impairment, or learning and developmental challenges. Early diagnosis and intervention can improve outcomes.
CMV is diagnosed through blood or urine tests that detect the virus or antibodies. In some cases, imaging studies (like ultrasound or MRI) are used to assess potential brain or organ involvement.
Newborns with symptoms similar to CMV are often evaluated for other congenital infections such as rubella (German measles), toxoplasmosis, and herpes simplex virus.
Management may include regular ultrasounds to monitor fetal development, periodic blood tests to track viral levels, and antiviral medications when indicated to reduce the risk of severe complications.
Your first point of contact should be your obstetrician?gynecologist (OB?GYN). For specialized evaluation and long?term support, consult a CMV or infectious disease specialist, such as our team at GastroDoxs in Katy.
Antiviral medications can lower maternal viral load and may reduce the severity of fetal infection, but they do not guarantee complete prevention of CMV transmission to the baby.
Practice good hygiene and safe behaviors: wash your hands frequently (especially after diaper changes), avoid sharing food, drinks, or utensils with young children, and use barrier protection during sexual activity.
Schedule an appointment if you're pregnant and test positive for CMV, if your newborn shows signs of infection, or if you have a weakened immune system and suspect CMV exposure. Our GastroDoxs team is here to provide expert care and support.
