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Medical Video: CMV Virology - Epidemiology and Pathophysiology
Definition
What is cytomegalovirus?
Cytomegalovirus is a blood test to check for cytomegalovirus (CMV). CMV is a virus that carries herpes, Epstein-Barr virus, and varicella zoster (a cause of chickenpox and shingles). CMV is a common type of infection. CMV infection is also a common birth defect. A mother can be exposed to the virus during pregnancy, or recurrent CMV infection from a previous medical history. About 10% of infants infected with CMV show signs of permanent damage, such as mental retardation and hearing damage. Infection of the fetus will cause microcephaly, hydrocephalus, cerebral palsy, mental disability, or death. The term TORCH (toxoplasmosis [Toxoplasmosis], other diseases [Other], Rubella, CMV [cytomegalovirus], Herpes) applies to pathogenic infections with adverse effects on the fetus.
When do I have to undergo cytomegalovirus?
Common infections are detected in fetuses, children and early adolescents. Some groups have the chance to be infected with CMV, including: gay, organ transplant patients, and PLWHA (People With HIV / AIDS). Common infections are caused by contact with body fluids or urine. Blood transfusion is also a common method of CMV transmission. Most patients with acute CMV infection have little or no symptoms at all.
If you show signs of CMV infection, this series of tests will be conducted to determine if you are truly infected. Viruses can also be detected by implants or PCR, with specimens from blood, other body fluids, or biopsy of body tissues.
Scanning and test series for your baby
The series of tests used to determine whether you have contracted an infection will be important if you are in pregnancy. Pregnant women have antibodies with very little probability of viral activation and transmission to the fetus.
If there are signs of a newly detected infection during pregnancy, you may need to consider splitting the amniotic fluid for further testing, the doctor will take a sample of amniotic water to determine whether the fetus has been infected with the virus. The importance of the test for amniotic fluid will increase along with irregularities caused by CMV or other infections seen during ultrasound. If you or your doctor suspects your child may have congenital CMV, it is important to immediately test the baby in the first 3 weeks after birth. For more than 3 weeks, the test results will not be conclusive in establishing the presence of congenital CMV infection, because your baby may be infected by a medical officer or contact with relatives or other infants who have an infection.
Scanning and series of tests if your body's resistance is low
The series of CMV tests will be important if you have an immune system abnormality that causes the performance of your immune system to weaken. For example, if you are an ODHA, you will need a CMV scan, and even if you do not have an active infection, you are still required to be routinely checked for complications of CMV infection, such as complications of visual or hearing impairment.
Prevention & warning
What should I know before undergoing cytomegalovirus?
Doctors can transplant, isolate, or identify CMV. But in this way, doctors cannot distinguish between acute infections, chronic infections, and non-active infections. The doctor will recommend a test for viral antibodies to find out more precisely about the disease. Generally, anti-CMV immunoglobulin G titers will continue to increase after years. Other types of antibodies can be used to detect periods of infection. PCR is a sensitive and specific technique for accurately diagnosing CMV infection.
It is important for you to know the warnings and precautions before carrying out this test. If you have questions, consult your doctor for further information and instructions.
Process
What should I do before undergoing cytomegalovirus?
Your doctor will explain in detail about the procedure required. There is no special preparation that you have to do before undergoing a CMV test.
How is the cytomegalovirus process?
- to isolate the culture, the doctor will take samples from your urine, sputum or saliva. The doctor will ask you to provide a new sample as soon as possible
- the sample will then be cultured in the laboratory for approximately 3-7 days
- to test the concentration or antigen of an antibody, the doctor will take a blood sample and be classified into yellow or red covered ampoules
- if you are pregnant and suspected of contracting an acute infection, you should immediately see a doctor for further treatment
- the doctor will schedule you in 2-4 weeks after the first sample for further sampling
What should I do after undergoing cytomegalovirus?
After the blood test, immediately close the injection site with a cotton pad or soft pad and glue it with a bandage to prevent bleeding. If you have questions relating to the process of this test, consult your doctor for a better understanding.
Explanation of Test Results
What do the test results mean?
Normal results
Not infected with CMV
Abnormal results
CMV infection
- CMV antibodies are detected which indicate infection has occurred or is ongoing. If the number of antibodies (called antibody titre) increases within a few weeks, that means you have been infected or have been infected before
- Chronic CMV infection (chronic stable CMV antibody, unchanged for a long time) can be reactivated in patients with immunodeficiency
If you have questions relating to the results of this test, consult your doctor for a better understanding.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
