Cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgG

Why the Test is Done

• Pregnancy: To check if a pregnant person has been infected, as primary infection carries risks of passing the virus to the fetus.
• Weakened Immune Systems: For patients with HIV, cancer, or those undergoing transplants, to monitor for reactivation.
• Newborns: To diagnose congenital CMV infection if symptoms are present.

What a Positive Result Means

• Immunity: A positive IgG means you have immunity against that specific strain, though you can still be infected with a different strain.
• Lifelong Presence: The virus remains latent in the body for life after the initial infection.
• Risk Factors: In healthy individuals, it rarely causes symptoms. For immunocompromised individuals, it can cause severe issues, including blindness or pneumonia.

Managing CMV

• Treatment: Healthy people rarely need treatment. Antiviral medications such as ganciclovir or valganciclovir are used to treat serious, active infections in immunocompromised people or symptomatic infants.
• Prevention: Good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing after touching diapers or saliva, is the best prevention, especially for pregnant individuals.