Cytomegalovirus infection (CMV) is caused by herpesvirus type 5 and does not pose a serious danger if the immune system is healthy. People with weakened body defenses are susceptible to the development of the disease and its complications. The pathogen is detected in a laboratory using special test systems. If cytomegalovirus IgG antibodies are detected in tests, what does this mean?

What are IgG antibodies and cytomegalovirus

More than 80% of the total population are carriers of herpesivirus type 5. Doctors say that with normal body resistance, CMV does not pose any danger and does not cause changes in internal organs and systems.

If IgG antibodies are detected during a blood test for cytomegalovirus, what does this mean? If IgG antibodies are detected in serum and other biological fluids, we can say that the patient’s body has overcome the disease caused by cytomegalovirus and has already developed immunity.

Information about the normal level of immunoglobulins is of particular interest to people planning to have a child, since the infection poses a great danger to the fetus, having a detrimental effect on the formation of organs and systems.

Testing for class G antibodies is of great importance when identifying signs of hearing impairment, vision impairment, convulsive symptoms, and delayed speech development in children.

In addition to IgG immunoglobulins, the levels of class M antibodies are important for doctors. They are produced by the body 1.5-2 months after the entry of cytomegalovirus and disappear over time. Detection of IgM helps determine when infection occurred. This type of immunoglobulin is synthesized by the body every time the infection begins to become active.

How is cytomegalovirus transmitted?

Cytomegalovirus infection is transmitted in several ways:

Congenital infection is considered the most dangerous.

When cytomegalovirus enters the fetus’s body, the risk of developing pathologies of internal organs and system is extremely high.

That is why screening for infections during the period of preparation for conception and timely therapy play an important role.

Symptoms of infection

Clinical signs of the disease caused by cytomegalovirus do not appear immediately. During the first weeks, an infected adult does not notice any special changes in the body or deterioration in health. In the following months, the following symptoms may appear:

• low-grade fever;
• nausea and vomiting;
• deviation of blood pressure from normal;
• development of chronic fatigue and weakness;
• increased salivation;
• inflammation of the genitourinary organs.

Over time, an infected person develops changes in the liver, lungs, and spleen.

What diseases can be caused by cytomegalovirus?

Cytomegalovirus infection primarily causes the development of inflammatory processes in the genitourinary organs. With a long course of the disease and lack of treatment, it causes an enlargement of the liver and spleen. In some patients, CMV causes inflammation of the retina. Cytomegalovirus can trigger allergic reactions, manifested by rashes on the skin and mucous membranes. If treatment is not timely, there is a risk of damage to the nervous system.

Infection of a pregnant woman during contact with a patient with an exacerbation of CMV is most dangerous. During this period, the risk of intrauterine fetal death increases significantly. When an expectant mother is infected before pregnancy, her body produces immunoglobulins that help prevent the development of cytomegalovirus infection in the fetus.

Analysis on igg: how to pass, transcript

Several different methods are used to detect immunoglobulins and their types. The most informative is considered to be an enzyme immunoassay performed using a specific enzyme reagent. This method is the fastest and allows you to obtain research results 1-2 days after submitting the biological material. If necessary, tests can be performed using polymerase chain reaction, urine cystoscopy, and the cultural method.

To make a diagnosis of cytomegalovirus infection, the indicators of class G and M antibodies are of great importance. IgG immunoglobulins are produced several weeks after the pathogen enters the body and help protect it in the future. Class M antibodies are produced immediately after infection and help doctors determine the time of infection.

In the absence of class G and M antibodies in the blood, we can speak of a lack of immunity to CMV and a high risk of primary infection. The detection of immunoglobulins in biological material means the presence of cytomegalovirus and a probable exacerbation of the disease. If only IgG is detected, we can talk about the presence of immunity in the patient and the impossibility of primary infection. Repeated relapse develops when the body's defenses decrease.

Blood is donated for testing on an empty stomach. The collection is carried out intravenously.

You should not smoke 2 hours before the test. In the morning you should not drink coffee, tea or other drinks other than clean drinking water. It is necessary to notify the attending physician about the use of medications when issuing a referral for analysis. Sometimes biological material is taken from the vagina or cervical canal. Urine, cerebrospinal fluid, and sputum can be tested for cytomegalovirus.

What to do if test results for IgG antibodies are positive: treatment

Therapy for cytomegalovirus infection involves the use of the following types of medications:

During the acute period of the disease, the patient poses a danger to others, therefore, if possible, it is necessary to isolate him from contacts. Each family member must use personal utensils and hygiene items. The apartment must be wet cleaned daily. The patient is treated on an outpatient basis. The patient is hospitalized only if the disease is severe or complications develop.

Traditional methods of treating CMV are also allowed to be used as adjuncts to the main therapy. Doctors advise consuming bee products and drinks made from raspberry and currant leaves daily. To prevent the spread of infection, it is recommended to consume onions and garlic daily.

Cytomegalovirus during pregnancy

Infection during pregnancy is much more dangerous for the fetus than the activation of cytomegalovirus that entered the woman’s body before conception. During pregnancy, the immune system physiologically reduces its functions. During this period, the expectant mother's vulnerability to various infections increases. If CMV enters the body of a pregnant woman in the 1st trimester, the risk of miscarriage increases significantly. The probability of infection of the fetus increases to 50% with primary infection of the mother.

A child with a congenital form of the disease has an enlarged liver, spleen, and accumulation of fluid behind the peritoneum. On an ultrasound, specialists can see signs of brain underdevelopment.

Cytomegalovirus IgG in children

The congenital form of cytomegalovirus infection may not have any symptoms in the first months of a baby’s life. In the future, the disease often leads to problems with hearing, speech and intellectual development. The baby may suffer from seizures and frequent ARVI. In some cases, the cause of damage to the organs of vision lies in the entry of the virus during fetal development.

The acquired form of CMV occurs in a child who is breastfed if the mother is infected. The likelihood of infection increases when a child visits childcare facilities. Signs of the development of a disease caused by cytomegalovirus are:

• runny nose;
• hypothermia;
• enlarged cervical lymph nodes;
• headaches;
• general weakness;
• aching joints and muscles;
• indigestion;
• enlargement of the spleen and liver.

All these symptoms are similar to the manifestations of ARVI and require consultation with a doctor. Laboratory tests help confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment of cytomegalovirus infection in children is carried out with the help of antiviral drugs and immunomodulators. The dosage of the drug is selected individually. If side effects occur from taking an antiviral medication, you should visit a doctor. The specialist will select a drug with other active ingredients or change the treatment regimen.

Complications and consequences

Cytomegalovirus infection is not dangerous if the immune system is functioning normally. When it weakens, activation of the pathogen can cause various complications.

If a pregnant woman is infected, premature birth, miscarriage, and the development of defects in the fetus are possible. Infection with cytomegalovirus in infancy leads to disruption of the liver, spleen, hydrocephalus, impaired vision and hearing, and the development of immunodeficiency.

When adults who have low body resistance to pathogenic pathogens are infected, there is a risk of developing inflammatory processes in the genitourinary organs, intestines, and brain. Patients may experience sharp deterioration in vision and increased liver dysfunction. As a result of changes in the organs of the reproductive system, women experience infertility.

If the patient does not consult a doctor in a timely manner, cytomegalovirus infection causes a malfunction of organs and systems.

When serious disorders occur, therapy of the affected tissue takes a long period of time. Often, against the background of weakened immunity and activation of cytomegalovirus, a bacterial infection occurs. This condition requires the use of antimicrobial drugs after determining the type of pathogen using a culture method.

The entry of cytomegalovirus infection into the body of a person with a normally functioning immune system does not pose any particular danger. Activation of CMV is possible when protective forces are weakened. Laboratory tests help diagnose the disease. Detection of class G antibodies to cytomegalovirus makes it possible to differentiate the infection from other types and prescribe the correct treatment. Timely therapy helps to avoid complications. Prevention of the activation of infection is the timely treatment of chronic diseases, strengthening the immune system, and maintaining good hygiene.

A positive test result for IgG to cytomegalovirus means that the person is immune to this virus and is a carrier of it.

Moreover, this does not at all mean that the cytomegalovirus infection is in the active stage or any guaranteed dangers for a person - it all depends on his own physical condition and the strength of the immune system. The most pressing question of the presence or absence of immunity to cytomegalovirus is for pregnant women - it is on the developing fetus that the virus can have a very serious impact.

Let's look at the meaning of the analysis results in more detail...

IgG analysis for cytomegalovirus: the essence of the study

An IgG test for cytomegalovirus means looking for specific antibodies to the virus in various samples from the human body.

For reference: Ig is an abbreviation for the word “immunoglobulin” (in Latin). Immunoglobulin is a protective protein produced by the immune system to destroy the virus. For each new virus that enters the body, the immune system produces its own specific immunoglobulins, and in an adult, the variety of these substances becomes simply enormous. For simplicity, immunoglobulins are also called antibodies.

The letter G is a designation for one of the classes of immunoglobulins. In addition to IgG, humans also have immunoglobulins of classes A, M, D and E.

Obviously, if the body has not yet encountered the virus, then it has not yet produced the corresponding antibodies to it. And if there are antibodies to the virus in the body, and the test for them is positive, then, consequently, the virus has already entered the body at some point. Antibodies of the same class against different viruses are quite different from each other, so an IgG test gives a fairly accurate result.

An important feature of the cytomegalovirus itself is that once it infects the body, it remains in it forever. No medicine or therapy will help you get rid of it completely. But since the immune system develops a strong defense against it, the virus remains to exist in the body in an invisible and practically harmless form, persisting in the cells of the salivary glands, some blood cells and internal organs. Most carriers of the virus are not even aware of its existence in their bodies.

You also need to understand the differences between the two classes of immunoglobulins - G and M - from each other.

IgM are fast immunoglobulins. They are large in size and are produced by the body for the fastest possible response to the penetration of the virus. However, IgM does not form immunological memory, and therefore, with their death after 4-5 months (this is the lifespan of the average immunoglobulin molecule), the protection against the virus with their help disappears.

IgG are antibodies that, once produced, are cloned by the body and maintain immunity against a specific virus throughout life. They are much smaller than the previous ones, but are produced later on the basis of IgM, usually after the infection has been suppressed.

We can conclude: if cytomegalovirus-specific IgM is present in the blood, this means that the body became infected with this virus relatively recently and, perhaps, an exacerbation of the infection is currently occurring. Other details of the analysis can help clarify more subtle details.

Decoding of some additional data in the analysis results

In addition to just a positive IgG test, the test results may contain other data. The attending physician should understand and interpret them, but just to understand the situation it is useful to know the meanings of some of them:

1. Anti- Cytomegalovirus IgM+, Anti- Cytomegalovirus IgG-: cytomegalovirus-specific IgM is present in the body. The disease occurs in an acute stage; most likely, the infection was recent;
2. Anti- Cytomegalovirus IgM-, Anti- Cytomegalovirus IgG+: inactive stage of the disease. The infection occurred a long time ago, the body has developed a strong immunity, and viral particles that enter the body again are quickly eliminated;
3. Anti-Cytomegalovirus IgM-, Anti-Cytomegalovirus IgG-: There is no immunity to CMV infection. The organism had never encountered it before;
4. Anti- Cytomegalovirus IgM+, Anti- Cytomegalovirus IgG+: reactivation of the virus, exacerbation of infection;
5. Antibody avidity index below 50%: primary infection of the body;
6. Antibody avidity index above 60%: immunity to the virus, carriage or chronic form of infection;
7. Avidity index 50-60%: uncertain situation, the study must be repeated after a few weeks;
8. Avidity index 0 or negative: the body is not infected with cytomegalovirus.

It should be understood that the different situations described here may have different consequences for each patient. Accordingly, they require individual interpretation and approach to treatment.

A positive test for CMV infection in a person with normal immunity: you can just relax

In immunocompetent people who do not have diseases of the immune system, positive tests for antibodies to cytomegalovirus should not cause any alarm. Whatever the stage of the disease, with strong immunity it usually proceeds asymptomatically and unnoticed, only sometimes expressing itself in the form of a mononucleosis-like syndrome with fever, sore throat and malaise.

It is only important to understand that if tests indicate an active and acute phase of the infection, even without external symptoms, then from a purely ethical point of view, the patient needs to independently reduce social activity for a period of a week or two: be less in public, limit visits to relatives, communicate with small children and especially with pregnant women (!). At this moment, the patient is an active spreader of the virus and is capable of infecting a person for whom CMV infection can be truly dangerous.

Presence of IgG in immunocompromised patients

Perhaps the most dangerous virus is cytomegalovirus for people with various forms of immunodeficiency: congenital, acquired, artificial. Their positive IgG test result may be a harbinger of complications of the infection such as:

• hepatitis and jaundice;
• cytomegalovirus pneumonia, which is the cause of death in more than 90% of AIDS patients in developed countries;
• diseases of the digestive tract (inflammation, exacerbation of peptic ulcers, enteritis);
• encephalitis, accompanied by severe headaches, drowsiness and, in advanced conditions, paralysis;
• retinitis is an inflammation of the retina of the eye, leading to blindness in a fifth of patients with immunodeficiencies.

The presence of IgG to cytomegalovirus in these patients indicates a chronic course of the disease and the likelihood of an exacerbation with a generalized course of infection at any time.

Positive test results in pregnant women

In pregnant women, the results of an analysis for antibodies to cytomegalovirus can determine how likely the fetus is to be affected by the virus. Accordingly, it is based on the test results that the attending physician makes a decision on the use of certain therapeutic measures.

A positive test for IgM to cytomegalovirus in pregnant women indicates either a primary infection or a relapse of the disease. In any case, this is a rather unfavorable development of the situation.

If this situation is observed in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, it is necessary to take urgent measures to combat the virus, since with primary infection of the mother there is a high risk of teratogenic effects of the virus on the fetus. With a relapse, the likelihood of fetal damage decreases, but still persists.

With later infection, it is possible for the child to develop a congenital cytomegalovirus infection or become infected at the time of birth. Accordingly, specific pregnancy management tactics will be developed in the future.

The doctor can determine whether the doctor is dealing with a primary infection or a relapse in this case by the presence of specific IgG. If the mother has them, it means that she has immunity to the virus, and the exacerbation of the infection is caused by a temporary weakening of the immune system. If there is no IgG for cytomegalovirus, this indicates that the mother became infected with the virus for the first time during pregnancy, and the fetus will most likely be affected by it, as well as the mother’s entire body.

To take specific therapeutic measures, it is necessary to study the patient’s medical history, taking into account many additional criteria and features of the situation. However, the mere presence of IgM already indicates that there is a risk to the fetus.

The presence of IgG in newborns: what does it mean?

The presence of IgG to cytomegalovirus in a newborn indicates that the baby was infected with the infection either before birth, or at the time of birth, or immediately after it.

Neonatal CMV infection is clearly indicated by a fourfold increase in IgG titer in two tests at a monthly interval. In addition, if the presence of specific IgG in the blood of a newborn is observed already in the first three days of life, they usually speak of a congenital cytomegalovirus infection.

CMV infection in children can be asymptomatic, or can be expressed by quite serious symptoms and have complications such as inflammation of the liver, chorioretinitis and subsequent strabismus and blindness, pneumonia, jaundice and the appearance of petechiae on the skin. Therefore, if cytomegalovirus is suspected in a newborn, the doctor must carefully monitor his condition and development, remaining ready to use the necessary means to prevent complications.

What to do if you test positive for antibodies to CMV infection

If you test positive for cytomegalovirus, you should first consult your doctor.

In most cases, the infection itself does not lead to any consequences, and therefore, in the absence of obvious health problems, it makes sense not to carry out treatment at all and entrust the fight against the virus to the body itself.

The drugs used to treat CMV infection have serious side effects, and therefore their use is prescribed only in cases of urgent need, usually in patients with immunodeficiencies. In these situations use:

1. Ganciclovir, which blocks the multiplication of the virus, but at the same time causes digestive and hematopoietic disorders;
2. Panavir in the form of injections, not recommended for use during pregnancy;
3. Foscarnet, which can cause kidney problems;
4. Immunoglobulins obtained from immunocompetent donors;
5. Interferons.

All these drugs should be used only on the recommendation of a doctor. In most cases, they are prescribed only to patients with immunodeficiencies or those who are undergoing chemotherapy or organ transplantation that involves artificial immune suppression. Only sometimes they treat pregnant women or infants.

In any case, it should be remembered that if previously there were no warnings about the danger of cytomegalovirus for the patient, then everything is fine with the immune system. And a positive test for cytomegalovirus in this case will only inform about the fact of the presence of already formed immunity. All that remains is to maintain this immunity.

Video about the danger of cytomegalovirus infection for pregnant women

The presence of positive results when taking tests that detect cytomegalovirus IgG means that the human body has antibodies that block the activity of the virus. This means that this person acts as a carrier of the infection. Having immunity to this type of infection allows you not to be afraid of possible complications that threaten the patient’s life.

In this matter, the quality of the body’s protective functions and the patient’s physical health play an important role. Increased attention should be paid if the result of such a test performed during pregnancy is negative. This fact can threaten the child’s health, since the developing body does not have antibodies against this infection.

Cytomegalovirus is one of the most common infections in the world

Cytomegalovirus IgG antibodies detected, what does this mean? To answer this question, we need to consider the research procedure itself. During this procedure, the genetic material submitted for research is studied in order to search for specific antibodies to cytomegalovirus. The term Ig in this case is short for the word “immunoglobulin”. This trace element is a protective protein that is synthesized by the immune system to fight various viruses.

The human body's immune system produces dozens of types of special antibodies, the purpose of which is to fight various types of infection. At the end of puberty, several dozen types of immunoglobulins are present in the internal environment of the body. The letter G in the combination in question denotes a class of antibodies that are responsible for fighting certain pathogens. Each of these classes is designated using letters of the Latin alphabet.

It should also be said that if a person has not previously encountered cytomegalovirus, then the internal environment does not contain the antibodies necessary to fight the disease. Based on this, we can say that a positive test result can act as evidence that this type of infection was previously present in the body. In addition, you should pay attention to the fact that immunoglobulins that are part of the same class, but have different purposes, have noticeable differences. Based on this, testing for cytomegalovirus IgG allows you to obtain the most accurate results.

How are analyzes deciphered?

A characteristic feature of cytomegalovirus is that after penetration into the internal environment of the human body, the infection remains in it forever. To date, medicine does not have an answer to the question of how to remove this strain of the virus completely from the body. This type of infection is in an inactive state and is stored in the secretions of the salivary glands, the composition of the blood, and also in the cells of some organs. It should be noted here that some people are not even aware of the presence of the infection and that they are carriers.

The IgG test for cytomegalovirus itself means searching for specific antibodies to the virus in various samples from the patient’s body

In considering the question of cytomegalovirus IgG positivity, what does that mean, we should take a brief detour and consider some of the differences between antibody classes. The IgM class includes antibodies that are large in size. They are produced by the immune system in order to reduce the activity of a viral infection within a short period of time. This class of antibodies does not have the ability to create immunological memory. This means that after a certain period of time, the reproduced antibodies disappear and the body's defenses are compromised.

Polymer chain reaction studies and a positive response to these studies indicate that the human body has antibodies to cytomegalovirus. If there are antibodies from group M in the blood, one can judge the amount of time that has passed since the moment of infection. The presence of these antibodies is a kind of evidence that this virus is at the peak of its activity and the body is actively fighting the infection. To obtain more detailed information, you should pay attention to additional data.

What to pay attention to

The polymer chain reaction test allows you to detect not only the presence of IgG to cytomegalovirus, but also a lot of other useful information. The data from the tests performed is deciphered by the attending physician, but knowledge of certain terms will allow you to independently familiarize yourself with the information provided. Below is a list of the most common terms:

1. “IgM positive, IgG negative”- means that the immune system is actively producing antibodies, the action of which is aimed at fighting viruses. The presence of this result indicates that the infection occurred recently, and the immune system has not yet had time to produce antibodies from the “G” class.
2. “IgM negative, IgG positive”- the infection is in an inactive state. Infection with citalomegavirus took place a long time ago, and the immune system completely protects the body. If infected again, antibodies will prevent the infection from spreading.
3. "IgM negative, IgM negative"- this result suggests that in the internal environment of the body there are no antibodies that suppress the activity of cytomegalovirus, since this strain of infection is not yet known to the body.
4. "IgM positive, IgG positive"- this status indicates reactivation of the virus and exacerbation of the disease.

The test result “Cytomegalovirus IgG positive” means that the patient with such results has immunity to cytomegalovirus and is its carrier

Sometimes in such results the following line appears: “Anti CMV IgG is increased.” This means that the amount of antibodies necessary to fight the citalomegavirus exceeds the norm. In order to understand what value indicates the norm, let's consider such an indicator as the antibody avidity index:

1. 0 index– means the absence of infection in the body.
2. ≤50% - this result is evidence of primary infection.
3. 50-60% - uncertain data. If you receive this result, you must undergo a repeat examination procedure fifteen days later.
4. ≥60% - means that the body has antibodies that protect a person from reactivation of the infection. However, this status may indicate that the disease itself has become chronic.

If you have a strong immune system and the absence of chronic diseases that affect the quality of the immune system, a positive test result for the presence of antibodies should not cause concern for your own health. In most cases, the immune system's exposure to the virus results in an asymptomatic course of the disease. In more severe cases, cytomegalovirus with strong immunity can manifest itself in the form of symptoms such as:

• sore throat;
• slight increase in temperature;
• decreased performance.

Despite the fact that there may be no signs of infection activity, an infected person during the acute course of the disease should be in isolation. Experts recommend visiting public places as little as possible and completely avoiding close contact with pregnant women and young children. Being in this stage of the disease, a person is an active source of infection, therefore, in order to shorten the period of the acute stage of infection, therapy should be started without delay.

Positive results from tests performed during pregnancy

If the test result is positive for the presence of IgM antibodies, several conclusions can be drawn. This result may indicate both primary infection with cytomegalovirus and relapse of the disease. If this class of immunoglobulins is detected in the first trimester of pregnancy, treatment for the disease must be started immediately. Delay in taking the necessary measures may result in the infection having a teratogenic effect on the development of the fetus.

In a situation where the disease relapses during pregnancy, the risk of developing possible complications is significantly reduced. However, as in the previous case, lack of therapy can cause a congenital infectious disease in a newborn. It is also necessary to take into account the risk of infection of the child during passage through the birth canal.

The treatment strategy is determined by the doctor accompanying the process of gestation.

Cytomegalovirus is a herpes virus with a latent course upon penetration into the body

In order to determine the nature of the infection, you should pay attention to the level of immunoglobulins belonging to class “G”. The presence of these bodies is confirmation of immunity to secondary infection. Symptoms characteristic of cytomegalovirus, in this situation, indicate a decrease in the quality of the body’s protective functions. If the result of the PCR procedure is negative, the doctor must regard the damage to the body as primary and take all necessary measures to reduce the risk of complications for the fetus.

To prescribe a treatment regimen, you will need to analyze the patient’s medical history in detail. Along with this, various factors are taken into account, including existing chronic diseases. The presence of immunoglobulins from class M is a kind of sign of the danger of the disease. However, it should be noted that a result such as negative Anti cmv ​​IgM in the absence of antibodies from class G may pose a certain threat. In this situation, a pregnant woman needs to take all measures that will protect her body from primary infection.

Positive result in infants

The presence of antibodies from class G in a newborn child is a kind of evidence that the infection occurred during the intrauterine development of the embryo. In order to obtain unambiguous evidence, you will need to take several samples at intervals of one month. The presence of a congenital infection can be determined by microscopic examination of the blood composition.

In most cases, the development of cytomegalovirus infection occurs latently. However, in such a situation there is a risk of developing serious complications that pose a threat to the baby’s health. Such complications include liver dysfunction, hepatitis and pneumonia. In addition, there is a risk of developing chorioretinitis, which in the future can cause complete loss of vision.

If there is suspicion of cytomegalovirus activity in a newborn, it is necessary to immediately begin treatment in order to avoid possible complications. In the first days after birth, an infected baby must be constantly cared for.

Treatment method

In most cases, antibodies to cytomegalovirus independently eliminate the exacerbation of the disease. However, in some situations, the use of potent medications is required to eliminate the infection. The use of such drugs unnecessarily is extremely undesirable, due to the high risk of developing side effects of the drugs. Among the various drugs used in the treatment of cytomegaloviruses, drugs such as Ganciclovir, Foscarnet, and Panavir should be highlighted. Despite possible side effects in the form of disruption of the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract, these drugs eliminate the activity of the infection in a short time.

Human infection usually occurs before the age of 12.

In addition, drugs from the interferon group, as well as immunoglobulins obtained from donors who are immune to infection, are used as part of complex treatment. The use of the above medications is permitted only after prior consultation with a specialist. These potent medications have their own characteristics, which only specialists from the field of medicine and pharmacology know about.

In conclusion, it must be said that a positive result of the PCR procedure for the presence of cytomegalovirus infection indicates that the human body contains antibodies that prevent the development of the disease. In order for the immune system to continue to protect the body, it is necessary to pay increased attention to the state of your health.

Cytomegalovirus (abbreviated CMV or CMV) is a causative agent of an infectious disease belonging to the herpesvirus family. Once it enters the human body, it remains there forever. Antibodies produced by the immune system in response to the penetration of the virus are the main diagnostic sign for identifying infection.

Cytomegalovirus infection can occur either asymptomatically or with multiple lesions of internal organs and systems. In damaged tissues, normal cells turn into giant ones, which is why this disease got its name (cytomegaly: from the Greek cytos - “cell”, megalos - “big”).

In the active stage of infection, cytomegaloviruses cause significant changes in the immune system:

• dysfunction of macrophages that destroy bacteria and viruses;
• suppression of the production of interleukins that regulate the activity of immune cells;
• inhibition of the synthesis of interferon, which provides antiviral immunity.

Antibodies to cytomegalovirus, determined using laboratory methods, serve as the main markers of CMV. Their detection in blood serum allows diagnosing the disease in the early stages, as well as monitoring the course of the disease.

Types of antibodies to CMV and their features

When foreign bodies enter the body, a response occurs from the immune system. Special proteins are produced - antibodies, which contribute to the development of protective inflammatory reactions.

The following types of antibodies to CMV are distinguished, differing in structure and role in the formation of immunity:

• IgA, the main function of which is to protect the mucous membranes from infections. They are found in saliva, tear fluid, breast milk, and are also present on the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract and genitourinary tract. Antibodies of this type bind to microbes and prevent them from adhering to and penetrating the body through the epithelium. Immunoglobulins circulating in the blood provide local immunity. Their lifespan is only a few days, so periodic examination is necessary.
• IgG, making up the bulk of antibodies in human serum. They can be transmitted from a pregnant woman to the fetus through the placenta, ensuring the formation of its passive immunity.
• IgM, which are the largest type of antibodies. They occur during primary infection in response to the penetration of previously unknown foreign substances. Their main function is receptor function - transmitting a signal into the cell when a molecule of a certain chemical substance is attached to the antibody.

By the ratio of IgG and IgM, it is possible to determine at what stage the disease is - acute (primary infection), latent (latent) or active (reactivation of a “dormant” infection in its carrier).

If infection occurs for the first time, then the amount of IgM, IgA and IgG antibodies increases rapidly during the first 2-3 weeks.

From the second month from the onset of infection, their level begins to decline. IgM and IgA can be detected in the body within 6-12 weeks. These types of antibodies are taken into account not only for the diagnosis of CMV, but also for the detection of other infections.

igg antibodies

IgG antibodies are produced by the body at a late stage, sometimes only 1 month after infection, but they persist throughout life, providing lifelong immunity. If there is a risk of re-infection with another strain of the virus, their production increases sharply.

Upon contact with the same culture of microorganisms, the formation of protective immunity occurs in a shorter period of time - up to 1-2 weeks. A feature of cytomegalovirus infection is that the pathogen can avoid the action of immune forces by creating other varieties of the virus. Therefore, infection with modified microbes proceeds as during primary contact.

Antibodies to cytomegalovirus. Photo courtesy of igg Antibodies.

However, the human body also produces group-specific immunoglobulins, which prevent their active reproduction. Antibodies to class G cytomegalovirus are more often detected among the urban population. This is due to the high concentration of people in small areas and weaker immunity than that of rural residents.

In families with a low standard of living, CMV infection among children is observed in 40-60% of cases even before they reach 5 years of age, and by adulthood, antibodies are detected in 80%.

Antibodies igm

IgM antibodies act as the first line of defense. Immediately after the introduction of microorganisms into the body, their concentration increases sharply, and its peak is observed in the interval from 1 to 4 weeks. Therefore, they serve as a marker of recent infection, or the acute stage of CMV infection. In blood serum they persist for up to 20 weeks, in rare cases - up to 3 months or more.

The latter phenomenon is observed in patients with impaired immunity. A decrease in IgM levels in subsequent months occurs even if no treatment is given. However, their absence is not a sufficient basis for a negative result, since the infection can occur in a chronic form. During reactivation they also appear, but in smaller quantities.

IgA

IgA antibodies are detected in the blood 1-2 weeks after infection. If treatment is carried out and it is effective, then their level decreases after 2-4 months. With repeated infection with CMV, their level also increases. A consistently high concentration of antibodies of this class is a sign of a chronic form of the disease.

In people with weakened immune systems, IgM is not formed even in the acute phase. For such patients, as well as for those who have undergone organ transplantation, a positive IgA test result helps to recognize the form of the disease.

Avidity of immunoglobulins

Avidity refers to the ability of antibodies to bind to viruses. In the initial period of the disease it is minimal, but gradually increases and reaches a maximum by 2-3 weeks. During the immune response, immunoglobulins evolve, the efficiency of their binding increases, due to which the “neutralization” of microorganisms occurs.

Laboratory diagnostics of this parameter are performed to estimate the time of infection. Thus, acute infection is characterized by the detection of IgM and IgG with low avidity. Over time they become highly avid. Low-avidity antibodies disappear from the blood after 1-5 months (in rare cases, longer), while high-avidity antibodies remain until the end of life.

Such a study is important when diagnosing pregnant women. This category of patients is characterized by frequent false-positive results. If high-avidity IgG antibodies are detected in the blood, this will eliminate an acute primary infection that is dangerous for the fetus.

The degree of avidity depends on the concentration of viruses, as well as on individual differences in mutations at the molecular level. In older people, the evolution of antibodies occurs more slowly, so after 60 years of age, resistance to infections and the effect of vaccination decreases.

Norms for CMV levels in the blood

There is no numerical value for the “normal” level of antibodies in biological fluids.

The concept of counting IgG and other types of immunoglobulins has its own characteristics:

• Antibody concentration is determined by titration. Blood serum is gradually diluted with a special solvent (1:2, 1:6 and other concentrations that are multiples of two). The result is considered positive if the reaction to the presence of the test substance remains during titration. For cytomegalovirus infection, a positive result is detected at a dilution of 1:100 (threshold titer).
• Titers represent an individual reaction of the body, which depends on the general condition, lifestyle, activity of the immune system and metabolic processes, age, and the presence of other pathologies.
• Titers give an idea of ​​the total activity of antibodies of classes A, G, M.
• Each laboratory can use its own test systems to detect antibodies with a certain sensitivity, so they must produce a final interpretation of the results, which indicates reference (borderline) values ​​and units of measurement.

Avidity is assessed as follows (units of measurement – ​​%):

• <30% – low-avidity antibodies, primary infection that occurred about 3 months ago;
• 30-50% – it is not possible to accurately determine the result, the analysis must be repeated after 2 weeks;
• >50% – high-avidity antibodies, infection occurred a long time ago.

In adults

The results for all groups of patients are deciphered in the manner indicated in the table below.

Table:

IgG value	IgM value	Interpretation
positive	positive	Secondary reinfection. Treatment is required
negative	positive	Primary infection. Treatment required
positive	negative	Immunity has been formed. A person is a carrier of the virus. Exacerbation of the disease is possible with decreased immunity
negative	negative	There is no immunity. There was no CMV infection. There is a risk of primary infection

Antibodies to cytomegalovirus can be at low levels for several years, and when reinfected with other strains, the amount of IgG increases rapidly. To obtain an accurate diagnostic picture, the level of IgG and IgM is determined simultaneously, and a repeat analysis is carried out after 2 weeks.

In children

Children during the neonatal period and breastfeeding may have IgG in their blood that they received in utero from their mother. Their level begins to gradually decline after a few months due to the lack of a constant source. IgM antibodies often give false-positive or false-negative results. In this regard, diagnosis at this age causes difficulties.

Taking into account the overall clinical picture, immunological tests are interpreted as follows:

Repeated testing allows you to determine the time of infection:

• after birth– increasing titer;
• intrauterine– constant level

During pregnancy

Diagnosis of CMV in pregnant women is carried out according to the same principle. If in the first trimester it is discovered that IgG is positive and IgM is negative, then it is necessary to take a PCR test to confirm the absence of reactivation of the infection. In this case, the fetus will receive maternal antibodies that will protect it from the disease.

The antenatal clinic doctor should issue directions for monitoring the IgG titer also in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters.

If a low avidity index is detected at a period of 12-16 weeks, then infection could have occurred before pregnancy, and the probability of infection of the fetus is almost 100%. At 20-23 weeks this risk decreases to 60%. Determining the time of infection during pregnancy is of great importance, since transmission of the virus to the fetus leads to the development of severe pathologies.

To whom and why is a test for antibodies to CMV prescribed?

The analysis is indicated for those individuals who are at risk of developing infection:

In healthy people with strong immunity, primary infection is often asymptomatic and without complications. But CMV in active form is dangerous in cases of immunodeficiency and pregnancy, as it causes numerous complications. Therefore, doctors recommend undergoing examination before the planned conception of a child.

Methods for detecting the virus and deciphering research results

All research methods for determining CMV can be divided into 2 groups:

• Direct– cultural, cytological. Their principle is to grow a culture of viruses or study the characteristic changes that occur in cells and tissues under the influence of a microorganism.
• Indirect– serological (ELISA, fluorescent antibody method), molecular biological (PCR). They serve to detect the immune response to infection.

The standard for diagnosing this disease is to use at least 2 of the methods listed above.

Test for antibodies to cytomegalovirus (ELISA - enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay)

The ELISA method is the most common due to its simplicity, low cost, high accuracy and the possibility of automation, eliminating laboratory technician errors. The analysis can be completed in 2 hours. Antibodies of the IgG, IgA, IgM classes are detected in the blood.

Determination of immunoglobulins to cytomegalovirus is carried out as follows:

1. The patient’s blood serum, control positive, negative and “threshold” samples are placed in several wells. The titer of the latter is 1:100. The plate containing the wells is made of polystyrene. Purified CMV antigens are pre-precipitated on it. When reacting with antibodies, specific immune complexes are formed.
2. The plate with samples is placed in a thermostat, where it is kept for 30-60 minutes.
3. The wells are washed with a special solution and a conjugate is added to them - a substance with antibodies labeled with an enzyme, then again placed in a thermostat.
4. The wells are washed and an indicator solution is added to them and kept in a thermostat.
5. A stop reagent is added to stop the reaction.
6. The results of the analysis are recorded in a spectrophotometer - the optical density of the patient's serum is measured in two modes and compared with the values ​​for control and threshold samples. To determine the titer, a calibration graph is constructed.

If the test sample contains antibodies to CMV, then under the influence of the indicator its color (optical density) changes, which is recorded by a spectrophotometer. Disadvantages of ELISA include the risk of false-positive results due to cross-reactions with normal antibodies. The sensitivity of the method is 70-75%.

The avidity index is determined similarly. A solution is added to the patient's serum samples to remove low-avidity antibodies. The conjugate and organic dye are then injected, the absorbance is measured and compared with control wells.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for diagnosing cytomegalovirus

The essence of PCR is to detect fragments of DNA or RNA of the virus.

After preliminary cleaning of the sample, the results are recorded using one of 2 methods:

• Electrophoretic, in which viral DNA molecules move in an electric field, and a special dye causes them to fluoresce (glow) under the influence of ultraviolet rays.
• Hybridization. Artificially synthesized sections of DNA labeled with a dye bind to the viral DNA in the sample. Next, they are fixed.

The PCR method is more sensitive (95%) compared to ELISA. The duration of the study is 1 day. Not only blood serum, but also amniotic or cerebrospinal fluid, saliva, urine, and secretions from the cervical canal can be used as biological fluids for analysis.

Currently, this method is the most informative. If viral DNA is found in blood leukocytes, this is a sign of primary infection.

Isolation of cell culture (seeding) for the diagnosis of CMV

Despite the high sensitivity (80-100%), seeding of cell cultures is rarely performed, since the following restrictions exist:

• The method is very labor intensive, the analysis time takes 5-10 days;
• the need for highly qualified medical personnel;
• the accuracy of the study strongly depends on the quality of the collection of biological material and the time between the analysis and culture;
• a large number of false negative results, especially when diagnostics are carried out later than 2 days.

Just as with PCR analysis, it is possible to determine the specific type of pathogen. The essence of the study is that samples taken from the patient are placed in a special nutrient medium in which microbes grow and are subsequently studied.

Cytology for the diagnosis of cytomegalovirus

Cytological examination is one of the primary types of diagnosis. Its essence lies in the study of cytomegal cells under a microscope, the presence of which indicates a typical change in CMV. Saliva and urine are usually taken for analysis. This method cannot serve as the only reliable method for diagnosing cytomegalovirus infection.

What to do if IgG to CMV is positive?

Antibodies to cytomegalovirus detected in blood and other biological fluids may indicate three possible conditions: primary or re-infection, recovery and carriage of the virus. The test results require a comprehensive assessment.

If IgG is positive, then to determine the acute phase, which is the most dangerous for health, you need to consult an infectious disease doctor and conduct additional ELISA tests for IgM, IgA, avidity or PCR analysis.

If IgG is detected in a child under 1 year of age, it is recommended that the mother also undergo this examination. If approximately identical antibody titers are detected, then it is highly likely that simple transfer of immunoglobulins occurred during pregnancy, and not infection.

It should be taken into account that small amounts of IgM can be detected for 2 or more years. Therefore, their presence in the blood does not always indicate recent infection. In addition, the accuracy of even the best test systems can produce both false positive and false negative results.

What does it mean if Anti-CMV IgG is detected?

If antibodies to CMV are re-detected and there are no other signs of acute infection, test results indicate that the person is a lifelong carrier of the virus. In itself, this condition is not dangerous. However, before planning pregnancy, as well as in case of immunodeficiency, it is necessary to periodically monitor the level of immunoglobulins.

In healthy people, this disease occurs silently, sometimes with flu-like symptoms. Recovery indicates that the body has successfully coped with the infection, and lifelong immunity has been developed.

To monitor the dynamics of the disease, tests are prescribed every 2 weeks. If the IgM level gradually decreases, the patient recovers, otherwise the disease progresses.

Is it necessary to treat cytomegalovirus?

It is impossible to completely get rid of cytomegalovirus. If a person is a carrier of this infection, but there are no symptoms, then treatment is not required. Prevention of CMV, which is aimed at strengthening the immune system, is of great importance. This allows you to keep the virus in a “dormant” state and avoid exacerbation.

The same tactics are used against pregnant women and children. In people with severe immunodeficiency, cytomegalovirus infection may develop complications such as pneumonia, inflammation of the colon and retina. To treat this category of people, strong antiviral drugs are prescribed.

How to treat cytomegalovirus

CMV therapy is carried out in stages:

Depending on which organs are affected by the virus, the doctor prescribes additional medications.

In severe cases, the following treatment methods are used:

• for detoxification of the body - droppers with saline solution, acesol, di- and trisol;
• to reduce swelling and inflammation in case of damage to the central nervous system - corticosteroid drugs (Prednisolone);
• in case of secondary bacterial infection, antibiotics (Ceftriaxone, Cefepime, Ciprofloxacin and others).

During pregnancy

Pregnant women with CMV are treated with one of the following agents listed in the table below:

Name	Release form	Daily dosage	Average price, rub.
Acute phase, primary infection
Cytotect (human anticytomegalovirus immunoglobulin)		2 ml per 1 kg of weight every 2 days	21,000/10 ml
Interferon recombinant alpha 2b (Viferon, Genferon, Giaferon)	Rectal suppositories	1 suppository 150,000 IU 2 times a day (every other day). At 35-40 weeks of pregnancy - 500,000 IU 2 times a day daily. Course duration – 10 days	250/ 10 pcs. (150,000 IU)
Reactivation or reinfection
Cymevene (ganciclovir)	Solution for intravenous administration	5 mg/kg 2 times a day, course – 2-3 weeks.	1600/ 500 mg
Valganciclovir	Oral tablets	900 mg 2 times a day, 3 weeks.	15,000/60 pcs.
Panavir	Intravenous solution or rectal suppositories	5 ml, 3 injections with an interval of 2 days between them. Candles – 1 pc. at night, 3 times, every 48 hours.	1500/ 5 ampoules; 1600/ 5 candles

Drugs

The basis of treatment for CMV is antiviral drugs:

The doctor may prescribe the following as immunomodulatory agents:

• Cycloferon;
• Amiksin;
• Lavomax;
• Galavit;
• Tiloron and other drugs.

Immunomodulators used in the remission phase can also be used during relapse. After the end of the acute phase of the disease, restorative and physiotherapeutic treatment is also indicated; it is necessary to eliminate chronic inflammatory and infectious foci.

Folk remedies

In folk medicine, there are several recipes for the treatment of CMV infection:

• Grind fresh wormwood herb and squeeze the juice out of it. Heat 1 liter of dry wine over a fire to approximately 70° C (at this point a whitish haze will begin to rise), add 7 tbsp. l. honey, mix. Pour 3 tbsp. l. wormwood juice, turn off the heat, stir. Take 1 glass of “wormwood wine” every other day.
• Wormwood, tansy flowers, crushed elecampane roots are mixed in equal proportions. 1 tsp. pour 0.5 liters of boiling water into the mixture. This amount is drunk in equal portions 3 times a day half an hour before meals. The duration of treatment with the collection is 2 weeks.
• Crushed alder, aspen and willow bark are mixed in equal proportions. 1 tbsp. l. collection, brew 0.5 liters of boiling water and take it in the same way as in the previous recipe.

Prognosis and complications

Cytomegalovirus infection most often occurs benignly, and its symptoms are confused with ARVI, since patients experience the same symptoms - fever, headaches and muscle pain, general weakness, chills.

In severe cases, infection can lead to the following complications:

This infection is most dangerous in the early stages of pregnancy, as fetal death and miscarriage often occur.

The surviving child may have the following congenital abnormalities:

• reduction in brain size or dropsy;
• malformations of the heart, lungs and other organs;
• liver damage - hepatitis, cirrhosis, bile duct obstruction;
• hemolytic disease of newborns - hemorrhagic rash, hemorrhages in the mucous membranes, stool and vomiting with blood, bleeding from the umbilical wound;
• strabismus;
• muscle disorders - cramps, hypertonicity, asymmetry of the facial muscles and others.

Subsequently, mental retardation may become apparent. IgG antibodies detected in the blood are not a sign that there is an active CMV infection in the body. A person may already have lifelong immunity to cytomegalovirus. It is most difficult to determine the diagnostic picture in newborns. The disease in its passive form does not require treatment.

Article format: Lozinsky Oleg

Video about antibodies to cytomegalovirus

Cytomegalovirus Igg and Igm. ELISA and PCR for cytomegalovirus:

Cytomegalovirus is a virus widespread throughout the world among adults and children, belonging to the group of herpes viruses. Since this virus was discovered relatively recently, in 1956, it is considered not yet sufficiently studied, and is still the subject of active debate in the scientific world.

Cytomegalovirus is quite common; antibodies to this virus are found in 10-15% of adolescents and young adults. In people aged 35 years or more, it is found in 50% of cases. Cytomegalovirus is found in biological tissues - semen, saliva, urine, tears. When the virus enters the body, it does not disappear, but continues to live with its host.

What is it?

Cytomegalovirus (another name is CMV infection) is an infectious disease that belongs to the herpesvirus family. This virus affects humans both in utero and in other ways. Thus, cytomegalovirus can be transmitted sexually or through airborne alimentary routes.

How is the virus transmitted?

The routes of transmission of cytomegalovirus are varied, since the virus can be found in blood, saliva, milk, urine, feces, seminal fluid, and cervical secretions. Possible airborne transmission, transmission through blood transfusion, sexual intercourse, and possible transplacental intrauterine infection. An important place is occupied by infection during childbirth and when breastfeeding a sick mother.

There are often cases when the carrier of the virus does not even suspect it, especially in situations where symptoms hardly appear. Therefore, you should not consider every carrier of cytomegalovirus to be sick, since existing in the body, it may never manifest itself in its entire life.

However, hypothermia and a subsequent decrease in immunity become factors that provoke cytomegalovirus. Symptoms of the disease also appear due to stress.

Cytomegalovirus igg antibodies detected - what does this mean?

IgM are antibodies that the immune system begins to produce 4-7 weeks after a person is first infected with cytomegalovirus. Antibodies of this type are also produced every time the cytomegalovirus remaining in the human body after a previous infection begins to actively multiply again.

Accordingly, if you have been found to have a positive (increased) titer of IgM antibodies against cytomegalovirus, this means:

• That you have been infected with cytomegalovirus recently (not earlier than within the last year);
• That you were infected with cytomegalovirus for a long time, but recently this infection began to multiply again in your body.

A positive titer of IgM antibodies can persist in a person's blood for at least 4-12 months after infection. Over time, IgM antibodies disappear from the blood of a person infected with cytomegalovirus.

Development of the disease

The incubation period is 20-60 days, the acute course is 2-6 weeks after the incubation period. Staying in a latent state in the body both after infection and during periods of attenuation - for an unlimited time.

Even after undergoing a course of treatment, the virus lives in the body for life, maintaining the risk of relapse, so doctors cannot guarantee the safety of pregnancy and full gestation even if a stable and long-term remission occurs.

Symptoms of cytomegalovirus

Many people who carry cytomegalovirus do not show any symptoms. Signs of cytomegalovirus may appear as a result of disturbances in the functioning of the immune system.

Sometimes in people with normal immunity this virus causes the so-called mononucleosis-like syndrome. It occurs 20-60 days after infection and lasts 2-6 weeks. It manifests itself as high fever, chills, fatigue, malaise and headache. Subsequently, under the influence of the virus, a restructuring of the body’s immune system occurs, preparing to repel the attack. However, in case of lack of strength, the acute phase passes into a calmer form, when vascular-vegetative disorders often appear, and damage to internal organs also occurs.

In this case, three manifestations of the disease are possible:

1. Generalized form- CMV damage to internal organs (inflammation of the liver tissue, adrenal glands, kidneys, spleen, pancreas). These organ lesions can cause, which further worsens the condition and puts increased pressure on the immune system. In this case, treatment with antibiotics turns out to be less effective than with the usual course of bronchitis and/or pneumonia. At the same time, damage to the intestinal walls, blood vessels of the eyeball, brain and nervous system can be observed in the peripheral blood. Externally it appears, in addition to enlarged salivary glands, a skin rash.
2. - in this case it is weakness, general malaise, headaches, runny nose, enlargement and inflammation of the salivary glands, fatigue, slightly elevated body temperature, whitish coating on the tongue and gums; Sometimes it is possible to have inflamed tonsils.
3. Damage to the genitourinary system- manifests itself in the form of periodic and nonspecific inflammation. At the same time, as in the case of bronchitis and pneumonia, inflammations are difficult to treat with antibiotics traditional for this local disease.

Particular attention should be paid to CMV infection in the fetus (intrauterine cytomegalovirus infection), in newborns and young children. An important factor is the gestational period of infection, as well as the fact whether the pregnant woman was infected for the first time or the infection was reactivated - in the second case, the likelihood of infection of the fetus and the development of severe complications is significantly lower.

Also, if a pregnant woman is infected, fetal pathology is possible when the fetus becomes infected with CMV entering the blood from outside, which leads to miscarriage (one of the most common causes). It is also possible to activate the latent form of the virus, which infects the fetus through the mother’s blood. Infection leads either to the death of the child in the womb/after birth, or to damage to the nervous system and brain, which manifests itself in various psychological and physical diseases.

Cytomegalovirus infection during pregnancy

When a woman becomes infected during pregnancy, in most cases she develops an acute form of the disease. Possible damage to the lungs, liver, and brain.

The patient notes complaints about:

• fatigue, headache, general weakness;
• enlargement and pain when touching the salivary glands;
• mucous discharge from the nose;
• whitish discharge from the genital tract;
• abdominal pain (caused by increased uterine tone).

If the fetus is infected during pregnancy (but not during childbirth), congenital cytomegalovirus infection may develop in the child. The latter leads to severe diseases and damage to the central nervous system (mental retardation, hearing loss). In 20-30% of cases the child dies. Congenital cytomegalovirus infection is observed almost exclusively in children whose mothers become infected with cytomegalovirus for the first time during pregnancy.

Treatment of cytomegalovirus during pregnancy includes antiviral therapy based on intravenous injection of acyclovir; the use of drugs to correct immunity (cytotect, intravenous immunoglobulin), as well as carrying out control tests after completing a course of therapy.

Cytomegalovirus in children

Congenital cytomegalovirus infection is usually diagnosed in a child in the first month and has the following possible manifestations:

• cramp, trembling of limbs;
• drowsiness;
• visual impairment;
• problems with mental development.

Manifestation is also possible in adulthood, when the child is 3-5 years old, and usually looks like an acute respiratory infection (fever, sore throat, runny nose).

Diagnostics

Cytomegalovirus is diagnosed using the following methods:

• detection of the presence of the virus in biological fluids of the body;
• PCR (polymerase chain reaction);
• cell culture seeding;
• detection of specific antibodies in blood serum.