Cytomegalovirus (CMV): Symptoms, Complications & Diagnosis

Authored By: Dr. Jana Lim
Last updated: Jul 25, 2025

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus from the herpesvirus family that can stay inactive in the body for life after initial infection.

Most healthy individuals infected with CMV have no symptoms or only mild, flu-like illness. However, the virus can lead to serious complications in people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and newborns.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids such as saliva, urine, blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. It is not airborne and usually requires close or repeated exposure for transmission.

Common modes of transmission include:

• Kissing or sharing utensils with an infected person
• From mother to baby during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding
• Sexual contact
• Contact with saliva or urine from young children
• Blood transfusions or organ transplants

While CMV can be passed through sexual activity, it is not classified as a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

In healthy individuals, CMV usually causes no symptoms or appears as a mild, flu-like illness, but symptoms can vary depending on a person’s age and immune function.

Common signs may include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Swollen glands
• Muscle aches

CMV can cause significant complications, particularly in individuals with weakened immunity and in newborns with congenital infection.

In people with weakened immune systems, possible complications include:

• Pneumonia
• Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver)
• Retinitis, which may lead to vision impairment or blindness
• Gastrointestinal inflammation, such as ulcers or colitis
• Neurological issues, including seizures or cognitive impairment
• Multi-organ damage, affecting the lungs, liver, brain, or gastrointestinal tract

In babies with congenital CMV, complications may include:

• Hearing loss
• Developmental delays or learning difficulties
• Vision problems
• Seizures
• Microcephaly (abnormally small head size)
• Growth problems or failure to thrive

Identifying and managing CMV-related complications early is important to minimise long-term health impacts, particularly in vulnerable groups.

CMV is diagnosed through laboratory testing of bodily fluids or tissues, depending on the clinical context.

Common diagnostic methods include:

• PCR testing of blood, urine, or saliva to detect CMV DNA, especially useful in newborns and immunocompromised individuals.
• Serological tests on blood samples to identify CMV antibodies (IgM and IgG), which may indicate current or past infection.
• Tissue biopsy when organ-specific CMV disease is suspected, particularly in cases involving the lungs, liver, or gastrointestinal tract.

Routine screening for CMV is not typically recommended for healthy individuals but may be considered in certain cases, such as during pregnancy, pre-transplant evaluations, or in immunocompromised patients.

There is no cure for CMV, but most healthy individuals do not require treatment. Management depends on the severity and the individual’s immune status.

• No treatment is typically needed for mild or asymptomatic cases.
• Antiviral medications, such as ganciclovir, valganciclovir, foscarnet, or cidofovir, may be prescribed for severe cases or high-risk groups.
• Supportive care, including hydration and fever management, may be used for symptomatic relief.

Treatment decisions are usually guided by specialist care, particularly for transplant recipients or immunocompromised patients.

At ATA Medical, testing for CMV is available as stand alone blood tests or as part of our genital ulcer testing packages:

We also provide discreet, confidential testing and treatment for STIs, available as standalone tests or part of comprehensive screening packages. Both male and female doctors are available upon request to support your comfort and preferences.

For details on available tests, treatment options, or to book an appointment, please contact us directly.