Cytomegalo Virus (CMV) - IgM
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Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common herpesvirus that can infect people of all ages. Detects Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies against CMV in the blood
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🧪 Cytomegalovirus (CMV) – IgM Antibody Test
🔍 What is CMV?
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a DNA virus from the herpesvirus family. It is extremely common and typically remains dormant in the body after initial infection. While most healthy people don’t show symptoms, CMV can cause serious complications in:
- Pregnant women (risk of congenital CMV in the baby)
- Immunocompromised individuals (e.g. HIV/AIDS, transplant patients)
- Newborns and infants
🧬 What is the CMV IgM Test?
- Detects Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies against CMV in the blood.
- IgM is the first antibody produced in response to acute infection.
- Indicates a recent or current infection, viral reactivation, or reinfection.
📋 Test Overview
Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
Sample Type | Blood (serum) |
Fasting Required | ❌ Not required |
Method | ELISA (Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay) |
Turnaround Time | 24–48 hours |
Reference Range | Negative (< 0.9 IU/mL or as per lab) |
🧠 When is it Recommended?
Use Case | Purpose |
|---|---|
Pregnancy (TORCH panel) | Rule out acute CMV infection risk to fetus |
Neonatal illness (jaundice, microcephaly) | Check for congenital CMV |
Transplant patients | Identify active infection or risk before transplant |
Immunocompromised patients | Detect reactivation or primary CMV infection |
Unexplained fever / hepatitis | Rule out CMV as a cause |
🔍 Interpretation Guide
CMV IgM Result | Possible Meaning |
|---|---|
Negative | No current or recent CMV infection (may still have CMV IgG from past exposure) |
Equivocal | Borderline—may need retesting |
Positive | Possible recent infection, reactivation, or reinfection |
⚠️ False positives can occur. Confirm with CMV IgG, IgG avidity, or CMV DNA PCR when necessary.
👶 In Pregnancy: Critical Role
- CMV IgM positive in a pregnant woman raises concern for fetal transmission.
- Follow-up tests:
- CMV IgG Avidity Test – to determine timing of infection (recent vs past)
- CMV DNA PCR (maternal or amniotic fluid) – confirms active infection
🔗 Recommended Conjunct Tests
Test | Purpose |
|---|---|
CMV IgG | Check if infection is primary or reactivation |
CMV IgG Avidity | Determines whether infection is recent or past |
CMV DNA PCR (Quantitative) | Confirm active viral replication (especially in transplant/HIV) |
TORCH Panel | Common prenatal screening panel |
Liver Function Tests | If CMV hepatitis is suspected |
📌 Summary
Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
Test Name | CMV IgM |
Sample Type | Serum (blood) |
Fasting Required | No |
Primary Use | Detection of recent CMV infection |
Clinical Relevance | Pregnancy, immunocompromised status, unexplained fever |
Add-On Tests | CMV IgG, IgG avidity, DNA PCR, TORCH panel |
🛑 Important Note
CMV IgM can remain elevated for weeks to months after initial infection. It does not always indicate active disease, hence clinical correlation is vital.
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