Exposure to cytomegalovirus (CMV) occurs throughout life and by adulthood, 50 90% of the population is seropositive for CMV antibodies. CMV is spread by close contact, sexual transmission, perinatal or congenital transmission, and through blood transfusions and tissue trans-
plants. Intrauterine or congenital infections occur in 0.5 to 2.2% of all live births. Symptomatic congenital infections usually occur in infants born to nonim-
mune mother who have primary infections during pregnancy. Latency and reactivation of CMV influence the interpretation of serological results. A single positive CMV IgG results is an indication of present or past infection. The presence of CMV IgM suggests a recent CMV exposure but does not differentiate between primary infection and reactivation.
25 Jul