Viruses · Hepatitis & others
Cytomegalovirus
Cytomegalovirus infection and congenital CMV
The short answer
CMV often causes no symptoms in healthy people. Transmission during pregnancy and organ disease in immunocompromised people require distinct assessment.
Transmission and timing
Transmission can involve saliva, urine, blood and other body fluids. Daily contact with young children’s secretions is relevant to prevention discussions, especially during pregnancy.
CDC ↗Symptoms and risk groups
Healthy adults may have fever and fatigue or no symptoms. With congenital infection, being symptom-free at birth does not rule out later hearing problems.
CDC ↗CDC ↗When to seek help
Contact a paediatric clinician promptly if congenital CMV is suspected: specimen timing matters for establishing prenatal infection, and antibody results alone are insufficient.
CDC ↗For life-threatening symptoms, severe breathing difficulty or altered consciousness, call your local emergency number (112 in Türkiye).
What does the test show?
Diagnosis of congenital CMV requires appropriately timed PCR testing within the first three weeks. Positive saliva testing is confirmed with urine; the clinical team arranges collection.
CDC ↗Care and treatment approach
Healthy people usually need no specific treatment. Antivirals for selected congenital infections or immunocompromised patients require specialist decisions and may need adverse-effect monitoring.
CDC ↗Prevention and everyday life
Wash hands after changing nappies or contact with secretions. Avoid sharing food, utensils and cups with young children to reduce contact with saliva.
CDC ↗Special situations and risk groups
Hearing and developmental follow-up matter for babies with congenital CMV even after a normal newborn hearing screen. Arrange a plan with the paediatric team.
CDC ↗A common misunderstanding
Positive adult CMV IgG does not date infection. IgM alone does not establish a new primary infection; do not make pregnancy decisions from an isolated result.
CDC ↗Clinical assessment note
Separate maternal serology from neonatal diagnosis. Record sampling dates and avidity-test limitations; IgG/IgM cannot confirm congenital infection.
CDC ↗Bring a question to your appointment
Who was tested, when and for which question; is another specimen or hearing follow-up needed?
International evidence, local decisions
Each source’s country is identified. Vaccine access, reimbursement, isolation and reporting rules vary. Use current guidance and your clinician’s advice in your country; English does not imply UK or US eligibility.
Sources and supporting evidence
- CDC · About cytomegalovirus ↗
Country context: United States · Source checked:
- CDC · CMV in newborns ↗
Country context: United States · Source checked:
- CDC · Clinical overview of CMV and congenital CMV ↗
Country context: United States · Source checked:
- CDC · Laboratory testing for CMV and congenital CMV ↗
Country context: United States · Source checked:
Related topics
Version and change history
- Written by
- Doktorclub editorial team
- Medically reviewed
- Dr. Murat Toktamışoğlu
- Reviewed on
- 14 October 2026
- Next review
- 14 April 2027
- Version
- 1.0.0
- — Medical and language review completed for this language version.
- — Sourced draft prepared in the second content wave. Medical and language review have not been completed.
Doktorclub editorial content · Prepared with AI assistance and reviewed for medical accuracy and language. Information supports, but does not replace, clinical assessment. This guide does not diagnose or create a personal medication plan. Report a content correction · Editorial standards