Acquired Infection

Infection with CMV that occurred sometime after birth.

Antibody

Immune substance in the serum portion of the blood that helps fight off and control the infection or disease. There are at least two types of antibodies, IgG and IgM, produced in response to a CMV infection.

CMV IgG

Antibody made at the time of first infection. It persists throughout life after a CMV infection.

CMV IgM

Antibody made early at the time of the first infection with CMV. It usually disappears within 12 to 18 weeks and, therefore, can be used as indication of a recent infection in healthy individuals.

Congenital Infection (cCMV)

Infection passed from mother to unborn child prior to birth. It is documented by isolation of the virus from a bodily fluid, such as urine or saliva, collected in the first 3 weeks of the baby’s life.

Immunity

Body’s ability to resist infection based on the production of antibodies and white blood cells.

Infection

Entry of an agent, such as a virus like CMV, into the body. Usually there is production of an immune response.  Infection may or may not be associated with disease.

Primary CMV Infection

The first time someone catches CMV infection.

Reactivated CMV Infection

A type of recurrent CMV infection. It is a prior infection that has become active again, usually causing viral shedding and rarely causing symptoms of infection and viral shedding.

Reinfection

A type of recurrent CMV infection. It is a repeat infection with a new strain of the CMV virus. Its consequences are unknown at this time.

Seronegative

Antibody (IgG) absent or negative in serum (non-immune).

Seropositive

Antibody (IgG) present or positive in serum.

Virus Shedding

Presence of the virus active in body fluids, such as urine, saliva, breast milk, semen and cervical secretions. Virus shedding can be detected by a viral culture. It also may be called virus excretion.