How is CMV hepatitis diagnosed?

The standard laboratory test for diagnosing congenital CMV infection is polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on saliva, with urine usually collected and tested for confirmation. The reason for the confirmatory test on urine is that most CMV seropositive mothers shed CMV in their breast milk.

What is hepatitis CMV?

CMV hepatitis is defined as elevated bilirubin and/or liver enzymes levels in combination with the detection of CMV in the absence of other causes for hepatitis. CMV may be detected via culture, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, or in situ hybridization.

What does it mean if you test positive for CMV?

A positive result indicates a current or past CMV infection. A second blood test, called CMV IgM antibody will help determine if the CMV infection is current or past. If positive, the infection may be current, usually sometime within the last 4 months.

What is the treatment for CMV?

The drug of choice for treatment of CMV disease is intravenous ganciclovir, although valganciclovir may be used for nonsevere CMV treatment in selected cases. Ganciclovir is a nucleoside analogue that inhibits DNA synthesis in the same manner as acyclovir.

What diseases does CMV cause?

Occasionally, CMV can cause mononucleosis or hepatitis (liver problem). People with weakened immune systems who get CMV can have more serious symptoms affecting the eyes, lungs, liver, esophagus, stomach, and intestines. Babies born with CMV can have brain, liver, spleen, lung, and growth problems.

Does cytomegalovirus go away?

Cytomegalovirus Outlook There’s no cure for CMV. The virus stays inactive in your body and can cause more problems later. This reactivation is most common in people who’ve had stem cell and organ transplants.

How do you know if CMV is active?

Most people with acquired CMV have no noticeable symptoms, but if symptoms do occur, they may include:

1. fever.
2. night sweats.
3. tiredness and uneasiness.
4. sore throat.
5. swollen glands.
6. joint and muscle pain.
7. low appetite and weight loss.

Does CMV ever go away?

There’s no cure for CMV. The virus stays inactive in your body and can cause more problems later. This reactivation is most common in people who’ve had stem cell and organ transplants.

Does CMV need to be treated?

Treatment generally isn’t necessary for healthy children and adults. Healthy adults who develop CMV mononucleosis generally recover without medication. Newborns and people who have weakened immunity need treatment when they’re experiencing symptoms of CMV infection.

Is cytomegalovirus a STD?

CMV can be sexually transmitted. It can also be transmitted via breast milk, transplanted organs and, rarely, blood transfusions. Although the virus is not highly contagious, it has been shown to spread in households and among young children in day care centers.