The cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a virus found universally throughout the world that infects between 50 to 80 percent of all adults in the United States by the age of 40. CMV is in the same family of viruses that includes herpes simplex types 1 and 2, and the viruses that cause infectious mononucleosis (EBV), chickenpox, and shingles. A hallmark of CMV is the reappearance of symptoms throughout life, as the virus cycles through periods of dormancy and active infection. Most people who acquire the virus as children or adults display no signs or have mild symptoms and no long-term health consequences. Those who do have symptoms experience mononucleosis-like indications, such as a prolonged fever, fatigue, mild hepatitis, and tender lymph nodes. Severe forms of infection include CMV retinitis and encephalitis. Infected individuals periodically shed the virus in their body fluids, such as saliva, urine, blood, tears, semen, or breast milk. It is most commonly transmitted when an uninfected person comes in contact with infected body fluids and then touches his or her mouth or nose, at which point the virus is absorbed into the mucous membranes.
There is no cure for CMV infection. Good hygiene, including proper hand washing, is recommended to avoid transmission from
one person to the next. Individuals who work with young children should avoid sharing drinking glasses and utensils, and
carefully throw away diapers, tissues, and other items contaminated with body fluids. Antiviral drugs, such as ganciclovir
and acyclovir, are used to prevent infection in immune-compromised people or to reduce their “viral load” (the amount of virus
they have in their body). High titer immunoglobulin (IVIG, CytoGam) is also used in acutely infected individuals with some
impaired immunity. Vaccines are in the development and trial stage with good indications from clinical studies in humans that
they can help prevent primary infection or modify symptoms.
For most people CMV infection is not a problem. However, CMV infection puts three groups of people at high risk. They are:
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), and other institutes of the National Institutes of Health
(NIH), conduct research related to CMV infection in laboratories at the NIH, and support additional research through grants
to major medical institutions across the country. Much of this research focuses on finding a safe and effective vaccine for
the virus, and better ways to treat immune-compromised individuals with CMV infection.
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) P.O. Box 1968 (55 Kenosia Avenue) Danbury, CT 06813-1968 orphan@rarediseases.org http://www.rarediseases.org Tel: 203-744-0100 Voice Mail 800-999-NORD (6673) Fax: 203-798-2291 |
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious
Diseases (NIAID) National Institutes of Health, DHHS 6610 Rockledge Drive, MSC 6612 Bethesda, MD 20892-6612 http://www.niaid.nih.gov Tel: 301-496-5717 |
March of Dimes Foundation 1275 Mamaroneck Avenue White Plains, NY 10605 askus@marchofdimes.com http://www.marchofdimes.com Tel: 914-428-7100 888-MODIMES (663-4637) Fax: 914-428-8203 |
Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDCP) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 1600 Clifton Road, N.E. Atlanta, GA 30333 inquiry@cdc.gov http://www.cdc.gov Tel: 800-311-3435 404-639-3311/404-639-3543 |
Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.
All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.
Last updated February 12, 2007