Cytomegalovirus Antibody (CMV) Test - IgG

Cytomegalovirus IgG Antibody test is used to detect the primary or acute phase of infection caused by the cytomegalovirus (CMV) which is a member of the Herpes virus family. Since the CMV can be transmitted through close contact, the virus can spread easily through saliva, vaginal fluids, semen, urine, stool and breast milk. It can also spread through infected organs during organ transplants. Cytomegalovirus infection is caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV). It spreads when we come in direct contact with the saliva, blood, breast milk, semen or any body fluid of the infected person. It can also be spread by touching the objects and things of an infected person. It can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy. The immune system of our body produces antibodies (CMV IgG and CMV IgM) against the cytomegalovirus. Some antibodies remain in the body even after recovering from the CMV infection. The CMV antibody IgG test detects these IgG antibodies in the blood. Once you get the infection (primary infection), the virus will remain in the body for life in an inactive form. As soon as the immunity of the body becomes weak, the virus reactivates and causes illness. CMV infection can affect men and women of all ages. Usually, CMV infection does not cause any serious health issues. Most people don’t even know they have the infection. In some people, it can cause symptoms like that of common flu, extreme fatigue, fever, chills, headache and body pain. They usually resolve in a few days or weeks. CMV infection can cause serious health problems in pregnant women. It can spread to the baby and can cause vision or hearing problems, pneumonia, jaundice, anaemia and delay the mental development of the newborn. Sometimes, it can cause the death of a baby before or during the delivery (stillbirth). CMV infection can cause serious health issues in people with weak immune systems. Those who have HIV/AIDS infection, going for organ transplant and having chemotherapy for cancer treatment. They have a weak immune response. CMV can affect their eyes, lungs, brain, liver or spleen. It can also lead to other infections as it further suppresses the immunity of the body. The CMV antibody test is prescribed in pregnancy, blood transfusion cases, organ transplant cases and in cancer therapy to avoid any complications. The number of CMV infections is high in both developed and developing countries. In India, it has been reported that 80-90% of the adult population has CMV. The infection is more common in pregnant women. It is a major public health issue. CMV requires health policies to prevent its spread. Currently, there is no vaccine available for CMV.