CMV or Cytomegalovirus

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a very common viral infection. About 50-80% of all adults in the US show evidence of previous CMV infection. 

In healthy individuals it causes a mild transitory infection with few or no symptoms. Recovery is rapid with no lasting manifestations. Once a CMV infection occurs, that individual remains antibody positive for life.

If a woman has postitive CMV antibodies and gets pregnant, it can cause serious birth defects in the developing fetus. The mother usually has only mild symptoms and recovers rapidly.

 Donors who have had a CMV infection and recovered are described as "CMV positive" or "CMV+". They are referred to as having an inactive or latent infection.

Such donors are healthy and do not transmit CMV to sexual partners or household contacts. Virtually all new CMV infections are acquired from other persons who have an active CMV infection.

Some physicians believe that CMV positive donors present some risk to CMV negative recipients but there seems to be little scientific evidence to support that concept. Consult with your physician regarding your own CMV status.