What causes CMV mononucleosis?

CMV mononucleosis is caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV), a member of the herpesvirus family that spreads through close contact with infected bodily fluids. The virus transmits through saliva, blood, urine, breast milk, and sexual contact, making it highly contagious among family members and close contacts. Once infected, the virus remains dormant in your body for life and can reactivate when your immune system is weakened, though most healthy people experience only one symptomatic infection that resembles classic mononucleosis.

What is the best test for CMV mononucleosis?

The Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Antibodies, IgG test is the most important test for CMV mononucleosis because it detects specific IgG antibodies that your immune system produces in response to CMV infection. Elevated IgG levels combined with your symptoms can confirm whether CMV is causing your mono-like illness or hepatitis. This blood test distinguishes between past exposure and recent or active infection, helping your doctor determine if your current symptoms are related to CMV and guide appropriate treatment decisions.

When should I get tested for CMV mononucleosis?

You should get tested if you have persistent fatigue, prolonged fever, swollen lymph nodes, or sore throat that lasts longer than typical mono, especially if your Epstein-Barr virus test comes back negative. Testing is also important if you develop jaundice, abdominal pain, or elevated liver enzymes suggesting hepatitis, or if you are pregnant or immunocompromised and experience any mono-like symptoms. Early diagnosis helps your doctor rule out other conditions and monitor for potential complications like liver inflammation.

What are the symptoms of CMV mononucleosis?

CMV mononucleosis symptoms include extreme fatigue that lasts for weeks, persistent fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpits, and muscle aches. You might also experience loss of appetite, night sweats, and general weakness that interferes with daily activities. Some people develop hepatitis symptoms like jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), dark urine, abdominal pain in the upper right side, and elevated liver enzymes detected through blood work.

Who is at risk for CMV mononucleosis?

Young adults and teenagers are at highest risk because CMV spreads easily through kissing and sharing drinks or utensils. People with weakened immune systems, including those with HIV, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and organ transplant recipients, face greater risk of severe CMV illness. Pregnant women who contract CMV can pass the virus to their unborn baby, potentially causing serious complications, and healthcare workers exposed to bodily fluids also have increased risk of infection.

What happens if CMV mononucleosis is left untreated?

Most healthy people recover from CMV mononucleosis without treatment, but complications can develop if the infection is severe or goes unrecognized. CMV can cause hepatitis with significant liver damage, pneumonia, inflammation of the brain or spinal cord, and gastrointestinal problems including ulcers and bleeding. In immunocompromised individuals, untreated CMV can lead to serious organ damage affecting the eyes, lungs, liver, and digestive system, potentially becoming life-threatening without proper monitoring and antiviral therapy.

Can CMV mononucleosis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Yes, CMV mononucleosis can be diagnosed with blood tests that detect CMV-specific antibodies or viral DNA in your bloodstream. The CMV Antibodies, IgG test identifies antibodies your immune system creates in response to the virus, while IgM antibodies indicate recent or active infection. Your doctor may also order liver function tests to check for hepatitis and a complete blood count to look for elevated white blood cells and atypical lymphocytes that commonly appear with CMV infection.

How is CMV mononucleosis treated?

CMV mononucleosis in healthy people typically requires only supportive care including rest, hydration, over-the-counter pain relievers for fever and body aches, and avoiding strenuous activity until symptoms improve. Immunocompromised patients or those with severe complications may need antiviral medications like ganciclovir or valganciclovir to fight the infection. Your doctor will monitor your liver function if hepatitis develops and may recommend avoiding alcohol and certain medications that can further stress your liver during recovery.

How can I prevent CMV mononucleosis?

You can prevent CMV transmission by practicing good hygiene, including frequent handwashing with soap and water, especially after contact with saliva, urine, or other bodily fluids. Avoid sharing drinks, food, utensils, toothbrushes, or lip products with others, and refrain from kissing people who might be infected. Pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals should take extra precautions around young children, who often carry CMV without symptoms, and healthcare workers should use proper protective equipment when handling bodily fluids.

What can I do at home for CMV mononucleosis?

At home, focus on getting plenty of rest and sleep to help your immune system fight the infection naturally. Stay well-hydrated by drinking water, herbal tea, and warm broths, and eat nutritious foods to support your recovery even if you have little appetite. Gargle with warm salt water to soothe a sore throat, use a humidifier to ease congestion, and avoid alcohol and contact sports for at least a month to prevent liver damage and spleen rupture while your body heals.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. 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. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

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CMV Mononucleosis Blood Test

What is CMV mononucleosis or hepatitis?

CMV mononucleosis is a viral infection causing symptoms similar to classic mono, including fatigue, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and sometimes hepatitis with liver inflammation. It is caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV), a common herpesvirus that spreads through bodily fluids like saliva, blood, and urine. The Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Antibodies, IgG test is the most important test for diagnosis because it detects specific antibodies that indicate past or active CMV infection.

Written by Private MD Labs Medical Team

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
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.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

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