Library · Microorganism
Cytomegalovirus
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Cytomegalovirus, abbreviated CMV, is a virus with double-stranded DNA. It belongs to the Herpesviridae family, the same family as the herpes viruses, which is why it is also called human herpesvirus 5.
It passes from one person to another through the exchange of body fluids, via saliva, contaminated objects, blood transfusions, or sexual contact. And here is what is characteristic of its family: after the first infection it does not go away. It stays latent for life inside monocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. The virus does not leave: it settles inside the cell and stays there.
In an immunocompetent person, meaning someone whose immune system is in good shape, a first infection with cytomegalovirus usually causes no symptoms at all, or causes a mild or moderate illness resembling mononucleosis. With severe immunosuppression, that sleeping virus can become active again.
In brief
Cytomegalovirus is a double-stranded DNA virus in the Herpesviridae family, also called human herpesvirus 5.
It spreads through the exchange of body fluids and, like the other herpesviruses, stays latent for life inside monocytes.
The virus does not leave: it settles inside the cell and stays there.
In immunocompetent people, primary infection is usually asymptomatic or causes a mild or moderate illness resembling mononucleosis; severe immunosuppression can reactivate it.
Sources (1)
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, StatPearls PublishingCytomegalovirus Infections, StatPearlsPublished
This page explains the topic in general terms; it does not tell anyone what treatment to follow.
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