Cytomegalovirus, or CMV, is a common virus that infects many people, often with no signs or symptoms. Pregnant women, infants and individuals with weakened immune systems can suffer from the symptoms of a chronic CMV infection.
Mild Symptoms
According to the Mayo Clinic, healthy adults may have mild short-lived symptoms of a CMV infection including fatigue, night sweats and fever.
Weakened Immune Systems
Adults with weakened immune systems can develop visual impairment, pneumonia or bleeding ulcers from a CMV infection, according to the Mayo Clinic. Changes in behavior, seizures and coma have been reported.
Infants
As reported by the Mayo Clinic, pregnant women can pass a CMV infection to unborn babies and newborn infants can experience jaundice, low birth weight or pneumonia.
Causes
CMV is spread by exposure to infected body fluids and can be contracted when a person touches his nose or mouth, has sexual relations or receives a blood transfusion, as reported by the Mayo Clinic.
Tests
According to the Mayo Clinic, blood tests can detect the presence of antibodies that the body uses to fight a CMV infection.
Treatment
Antiviral drugs can slow down the progression of a CMV infection, but there is no cure for CMV, according to the Mayo Clinic.
