Test
CMV Quantitative RT PCR
Pathology
Summary
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) formally designated as Human Herpes Virus 5 (HHV-5) belongs to the family Herpesviridae. It has a worldwide distribution and infects humans of all ages with no seasonal or epidemic patterns of transmission. Seroprevalence of CMV increases with age ranging from 40- 100%; highest being among lower socioeconomic groups. The infections can be congenital, perinatal or postnatal. CMV is the most common intra-uterine infection detected in 0.2-2.5% newborn infants. CMV infection in transplant recipients has been associated with delayed or failed graft, increased incidence of graft versus host disease and increased risk of graft rejection. It is recommended to screen organ donors for asymptomatic CMV infection.
