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Acute cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection
Definition
Acute cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a condition caused by a member of the herpesvirus family.
Alternative Names
CMV mononucleosis; Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Causes
Infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV) is very common. The infection is spread by:
- Blood transfusions
- Organ transplants
- Respiratory droplets
- Saliva
- Sexual contact
- Urine
Most people come into contact with CMV in their lifetime, but typically only individuals with weakened immune systems become ill from CMV infection. Some otherwise healthy people with acute CMV infection develop a mononucleosis-like syndrome.
In the U.S., CMV infection most commonly develops between ages 10 - 35. Many people are exposed to CMV early in life and do not realize it because they have no symptoms. People with a compromised immune system can have a more severe form of the disease.
CMV is a type of herpes viruses. The virus remains in your body for the rest of your life. If your immune system becomes weakened in the future, this virus may have the chance to reactivate, causing symptoms.
Symptoms
- Enlarged lymph nodes, especially in the neck
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Malaise
- Muscle aches
- Rash
- Sore throat
Less common symptoms include:
- Chest pain
- Cough
- Headache
- Hives
- Irregular heart beat
- Jaundice
- Neck stiffness
- Rapid heart rate
- Sensitivity to light
- Shortness of breath
- Swollen spleen and liver
Exams and Tests
Your health care provider will perform a physical exam and feel your belly area. Your liver and spleen may be tender when they are gently pressed (palpated). You may have a skin rash.
Special lab tests such as a CMV DNA serum PCR test may be done to check for substances in your blood that are produced by CMV. Other tests such as a CMV antibody test may be done to check your body’s response to the CMV infection.
Other tests include:
- Blood tests for platelets and white blood cells
- Chemistry panel
- Liver function tests
- Monospot test
Treatment
Most patients recover in 4 - 6 weeks without medication. Rest is needed, sometimes for a month or longer to regain full activity levels. Painkillers and warm salt water gargles can help relieve symptoms.
Antiviral medications are usually not used in people with normal immune function.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Fever usually goes away in 10 days, and swollen lymph glands and spleen return to normal in 4 weeks. Fatigue may linger for 2 to 3 months.
Possible Complications
Throat infection is the most common complication. Rare complications include:
- Colitis
- Guillain-Barré syndrome
- Neurologic complications
- Pericarditis or myocarditis
- Pneumonia
- Rupture of spleen
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of acute CMV infection.
Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have sharp, sudden pain in your left upper abdomen. This could be a sign of a ruptured spleen, which requires emergency surgery.
Prevention
CMV infection can be contagious if the infected person comes in close or intimate contact with another person. You should avoid kissing and sexual contact with an infected person.
The virus may also spread among young children in day care settings.
When planning blood transfusions or organ transplants, the CMV status of the donor can be checked to avoid passing CMV to a recipient who has not had CMV.
References
Crumpacker CS II, Zhang JL. Cytomegalovirus. In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2009:chap 138.
Drew WL. Cytomegalovirus. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 384.
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.
