Cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgM

This test measures the presence of IgM antibodies against the Cytomegalovirus (CMV) in the blood.

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 IgM antibodies against the virus in the blood. When infected with CMV, IgM antibodies against CMV are the first antibodies to be produced during the disease duration. They are usually present in the blood for the first week or two before it eventually drops to undetectable levels, after which, IgG antibodies take over their function. Therefore, IgM is especially useful in determining if there is active disease, since this is the only time there will be CMV IgM antibodies present in the blood.

This test is performed in following conditions such as:

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