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Alternative Names Return to top
CMV mononucleosis; Cytomegalovirus (CMV)Definition Return to top
Acute cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a condition caused by a member of the herpesvirus family.
See also: Mononucleosis
Causes Return to top
Mononucleosis can be caused by several different viruses and a few types of bacteria. Unlike the more common form of mononucleosis, caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), acute CMV infection is caused by cytomegalovirus.
In most people with a normal immune system, CMV infection does not cause any symptoms. But some people with this infection develop a "mononucleosis syndrome."
The infection is spread by:
Some young children release the virus in their urine for a long period of time, even when they do not have symptoms. CMV infection may occur at any age. It most commonly develops between ages 10 - 35.
Most people are exposed to CMV early in life and do not realize it because they have no symptoms. People with a compromised immune system can have a more severe form of the disease.
Symptoms Return to top
Less common symptoms include:
Exams and Tests Return to top
Your health care provider will perform a physical exam and feel your belly area. The liver and spleen may be tender when they are gently pressed (palpated). There may be a skin rash.
Special lab tests may be done to check for substances in your blood that are produced by CMV. This includes a CMV ELISA antibody test and CMV serum PCR test.
Other tests include:
Treatment Return to top
Most patients recover in 4 - 6 weeks without medication. Rest is needed, sometimes for a month or longer to regain full activity levels. Painkillers and warm salt water gargles can help relieve symptoms.
Antiviral medications are usually not used in people with normal immune function.
Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top
Fever usually goes away in 10 days, and swollen lymph glands and spleen return to normal in 4 weeks. Fatigue may linger for 2 to 3 months.
Possible Complications Return to top
Throat infection is the most common complication. Rare complications include:
When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of acute CMV infection.
Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have sharp, sudden pain in your left upper abdomen. This could indicate a ruptured spleen, which requires emergency surgery.
Prevention Return to top
CMV infection can be contagious if the infected person comes in close or intimate contact with another person. You should avoid kissing and sexual contact with an infected person.
The virus may also spread among young children in day care settings.
References Return to top
Crumpacker CS, Wadhwa S. Cytomegalovirus. In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2005: chap 134.
Update Date: 9/17/2008 Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine. University of Washington School of Medicine; and Jatin M. Vyas, PhD, MD, Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
