Cytomegalovirus CMV IGM Antibody By CLIA Serum Test

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections are common but usually mild or asymptomatic. In pregnant women (if acquired first time during pregnancy), newborns & immunocompromised individuals i.e., transplant patients, HIV positives, immunosuppressive therapy etc. infection can have devastating consequences.  
CMV IgM antibodies indicate a recent infection which may be primary, reactivation or reinfection. In exceptional cases despite infection IgM antibody levels may be low or undetectable i.e., infectious mononucleosis, immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women & transplant recipients.

Due to virus reactivation or a newly acquired infection, CMV is a substantial source of mortality and morbidity. It is found in people who have had a solid organ or bone marrow transplant, AIDS patients, and patients exposed to other immunosuppressants. Nearly any organ can become infected in these patient categories, resulting in multiorgan failure. CMV is considered one of the TORCH -- toxoplasmosis, other infections, rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex virus categories of infections. It is one of the causes of congenital illness in infants:

• Toxoplasmosis.
• Syphilis.
• Rubella.
• CMV.
• Herpes simplex virus.

The herpesvirus family member, CMV, typically causes asymptomatic infection. It then resides latently in individuals, primarily in bone marrow-derived cells.

Infections with CMV are frequent. But they are typically slight or asymptomatic. Various CMV infections can have disastrous effects on the following categories of people:

• Pregnant women (if first acquired during pregnancy).
• Newborns.
• Immunocompromised people such as transplant recipients, HIV positives, etc.
• People on immunosuppressive therapy.

A recent infection, which could be initial, or reactivation, is indicated by CMV IgM antibodies. IgM antibody levels may occasionally be low or undetectable despite illness. This is particularly in the cases of infectious mononucleosis, those with impaired immune systems, expectant mothers, and transplant recipients.

This test is useful to:

• Aid in the detection of current or previous CMV infections.
• Determine previous CMV exposure.

This test, however, should not be used for selecting blood or plasma donors.

Written by: Dr Vishal Wadhwa, M.D, D.N.B Microbiology, Medical Affairs