Question 1

What is Acute Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infection?

Accepted Answer

Acute cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a viral infection that ranges from mild flu-like symptoms to severe complications in immunocompromised individuals and newborns. It is caused by the cytomegalovirus, a member of the herpesvirus family that remains dormant in the body after initial infection and can reactivate. The Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Antibodies, IgM, Quantitative test is the most important test for diagnosing acute CMV infection because it detects the IgM antibodies produced during recent or active infection.

Question 2

What causes acute CMV infection?

Accepted Answer

Acute CMV infection is caused by the cytomegalovirus, a common herpesvirus that spreads through bodily fluids including saliva, blood, urine, semen, and breast milk. The virus transmits through close personal contact such as kissing, sexual contact, organ transplantation, or blood transfusions. In healthy people, CMV often causes no symptoms or mild flu-like illness, but the virus remains dormant in the body and can reactivate when the immune system is weakened, causing acute infection in immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, and newborns.

Question 3

What is the best test for acute CMV infection?

Accepted Answer

The Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Antibodies, IgM, Quantitative test is the most important test for acute CMV infection because it detects IgM antibodies that appear specifically during recent or active infection. When your immune system encounters CMV for the first time or when the virus reactivates, it produces IgM antibodies as an immediate response, making them valuable markers for confirming acute infection. The quantitative nature of this test measures the exact level of IgM antibodies present, helping your healthcare provider distinguish between recent infection and past exposure. This test is particularly crucial for pregnant women, immunocompromised patients, and anyone experiencing unexplained flu-like symptoms.

Question 4

When should I get tested for acute CMV infection?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience prolonged fever, extreme fatigue, sore throat, swollen glands, or muscle aches that resemble mononucleosis but test negative for it. Testing is especially important if you are pregnant and have been exposed to young children or work in childcare, as CMV can cause serious complications for unborn babies. Immunocompromised individuals, including those with HIV, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and organ transplant recipients should get tested immediately if they develop any flu-like symptoms. Anyone who has received a blood transfusion or organ transplant and develops unexplained fever or fatigue should also seek testing promptly.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of acute CMV infection?

Accepted Answer

Acute CMV infection causes symptoms that closely resemble mononucleosis or the flu, including prolonged fever, severe fatigue, sore throat, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. Some people experience headaches, loss of appetite, and general malaise that can last for weeks. In healthy individuals, symptoms may be so mild that the infection goes unnoticed, while immunocompromised people can develop more serious symptoms including pneumonia, hepatitis, inflammation of the digestive tract, and vision problems. Newborns infected during pregnancy may show signs like jaundice, enlarged liver and spleen, low birth weight, and developmental delays.

Question 6

Who is at risk for acute CMV infection?

Accepted Answer

Anyone can contract CMV infection, but certain groups face higher risk and more severe complications. Healthcare workers, childcare providers, and parents of young children in daycare have increased exposure because young children shed the virus in saliva and urine. Immunocompromised individuals including HIV/AIDS patients, organ transplant recipients, and people receiving chemotherapy are at risk for reactivation of dormant CMV and severe disease. Pregnant women face risk of transmitting the virus to their unborn baby, which can cause serious birth defects. People who require blood transfusions or organ transplants also have elevated risk of acquiring CMV from donors.

Question 7

What happens if acute CMV infection is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

In healthy people with strong immune systems, untreated acute CMV infection typically resolves on its own without long-term consequences, though fatigue may persist for weeks or months. However, in immunocompromised individuals, untreated CMV can lead to life-threatening complications including pneumonia, gastrointestinal bleeding from ulcers in the digestive tract, hepatitis, encephalitis, and retinitis that can cause blindness. Pregnant women with untreated acute CMV infection risk passing the virus to their baby, potentially causing congenital CMV with permanent disabilities including hearing loss, vision impairment, intellectual disabilities, and seizures. Early detection and treatment with antiviral medications is crucial for high-risk individuals to prevent these serious complications.

Question 8

Can acute CMV infection be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Acute CMV infection can be definitively diagnosed with blood tests that detect specific antibodies your immune system produces in response to the virus. The IgM antibody test identifies recent or active infection because IgM antibodies appear first when you encounter CMV. Blood tests are essential for diagnosis because CMV symptoms mimic many other viral infections like mononucleosis, flu, or strep throat, making clinical diagnosis unreliable. Additional blood tests may measure IgG antibodies to determine if you have had past CMV exposure, and quantitative tests show the actual levels of antibodies to help your doctor assess infection severity and monitor treatment response.

Question 9

How is acute CMV infection treated?

Accepted Answer

Most healthy people with acute CMV infection require no specific treatment beyond rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain relievers for fever and body aches, as the infection typically resolves on its own. Immunocompromised patients require antiviral medications such as ganciclovir, valganciclovir, foscarnet, or cidofovir to prevent serious complications and control viral replication. Treatment duration varies from several weeks to months depending on infection severity and immune system status. Pregnant women with confirmed acute CMV infection may receive hyperimmune globulin therapy to reduce the risk of transmission to the fetus, though treatment options during pregnancy are limited and carefully monitored by specialists.

Question 10

How can I prevent acute CMV infection?

Accepted Answer

You can significantly reduce CMV transmission risk by practicing careful hygiene, especially after contact with young children who are common carriers of the virus. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after changing diapers, wiping noses, handling toys, or touching saliva, and avoid sharing food, drinks, utensils, or toothbrushes with young children. Pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals should be particularly cautious around children in daycare settings. Practice safe sex including using condoms to reduce transmission risk, and if you require blood transfusions or organ transplants, discuss CMV-negative donor options with your healthcare team. There is currently no vaccine available for CMV, making preventive behaviors your best protection.

Question 11

What can I do at home for acute CMV infection?

Accepted Answer

Supporting your immune system at home helps your body fight acute CMV infection more effectively. Get plenty of rest and allow your body extra sleep time as fatigue is one of the most persistent symptoms. Stay well-hydrated by drinking water, herbal teas, and clear broths to support immune function and ease fever. Eat nutrient-dense foods rich in vitamins C and D, zinc, and protein to strengthen your immune response, and avoid alcohol which can stress your liver while it fights the infection. Use over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to manage fever and body aches, but avoid aspirin if you have any bleeding disorders. Reduce stress through gentle activities like meditation or light stretching, as stress can weaken immune function and prolong recovery.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
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                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
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            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
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            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
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            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
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            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Acute CMV Infection Blood Test

What is Acute Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infection?

What causes acute CMV infection?

What is the best test for acute CMV infection?

When should I get tested for acute CMV infection?

References

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