Cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgG

Intrauterine or congenital CMV infections occur in 0.5 to 2.2% of all live births. Symptomatic congenital infections usually occur in infants born to non-immune mothers who have primary infections during pregnancy. A single positive CMV IgG result is and indication of present or past infection. The presence of CMV IgM suggests a recent CMV exposure.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a virus that is common amongst the general population. Because it has a low virulence, it rarely produces symptoms since the body clears the virus quickly. In people who are immunocompromised, such as those with HIV or organ transplant receivers, the infection can be severe. This test measures the presence of IgG antibodies against the virus in the blood. IgG antibodies against CMV start to rise after several weeks of initial infection. At a point when the infection has been resolved, the level of IgG antibodies plateaus, providing the host with lifelong immunity to CMV. IgG, along with IgM are useful in determining whether there is active CMV disease or if there was previous exposure to the virus.

This test is performed in following conditions such as:

• Fatigue, weakness
• Sore throat
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches