While the virus generally does not cause problems for those with healthy, functioning immune systems, it can have serious consequences for immunocompromised people. CMV diagnostics can spot the virus in people with weakened immune systems. The top risk groups include:
Weakened immune systems due to HIV or cancer.
Recently receivers of organ transplant
Pregnant women with symptoms
New-borns with symptoms
Without an accurate CMV lab test, it becomes incredibly difficult to manage the infection and for clinicians to help patients. It is a virus that can spread quite quickly. It can be transmitted congenitally, through blood transfusion, organ transplantation, or through contact with bodily fluids, including urine, saliva, blood, genital secretions, and breast milk.
20%-60% of solid organ transplant recipients develop a symptomatic CMV infection, typically during the first few months after transplantation2. Patients can be infected through the donor organ, or the virus can be reactivated if previously present.