What is Cytomegalovirus (CMV)?
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that can cause flu-like illness or even no symptoms. Most adults and many children have been around someone with CMV. Since most CMV infections are mild and usually do not cause long-term problems, most people don't even know they are infected. After a person has had a CMV infection, the virus becomes non-active in the body. It can reactivate months or years later. Reactivation of the virus most often happens when a person’s immune system is weakened or suppressed.
Anyone with a weakened immune system is at risk for problems with CMV infection. A weakened immune system can be related to infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), pregnancy, or medical treatments. Medical treatments that can weaken the immune system include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, steroids and stem cell or organ transplantation.
Cytomegalovirus is spread through contact with an infected person's body fluids, such as saliva, blood, urine, or breast milk. It can also be sexually transmitted. Regular handwashing with soap and water, particularly after changing diapers, can help prevent the spread of infection. Avoiding shared utensils may prevent the spread, too.
Before an organ or bone marrow transplant, both the patient and donor will be tested for exposure to CMV as well as to other viruses. If the patient or donor is positive for CMV, then the patient may be treated with a medicine to keep the virus from reactivating after the transplant.
