Antibodies to CMV igg are positive. What do IgG and IgM mean for cytomegalovirus. What is Anti CMV IgG

Whether a person is a carrier of cytomegalovirus can only be determined with certainty based on the results of laboratory tests.

A disease, if we can talk about a condition when a person is practically healthy and at the same time infected with a rather dangerous virus, most often occurs asymptomatically, without causing any inconvenience to the person.

Unfortunately, the virus does not always behave correctly - for those who for some reason have problems with immune defense, it prepares additional troubles, this time “on its own behalf.”

If a person is preparing for a major operation or a woman is expecting a child, such a “time bomb” can be very dangerous for them.

We wrote about what cytomegalovirus infection or simply cytomegalovirus is in this article. You can learn about the symptoms and treatment methods for cytomegalovirus.

Laboratory studies provide an answer not only to the question of the presence of the virus in the body, but also to its activity. This helps the doctor to objectively assess the situation, predict its possible development and, if necessary, begin treatment for CMV infection.

That's who tests for the presence of cytomegalovirus it is necessary to do:

  • pregnant women;
  • HIV-infected;
  • people who have undergone transplant surgery;
  • cancer patients.

All representatives of these categories have weakened immunity. If the virus is activated, it will worsen the condition of patients, and in a pregnant woman it will jeopardize not only her own health, but also the future of the baby.

Diagnosis of cytomegalovirus

The main thing in diagnosing CMV infection is laboratory tests: a blood test is done, the virus is looked for in the urine, in a smear, in a scraping. Referrals for tests are usually given by a urologist and gynecologist.

Patients are warned: a man who is going to donate urine should not go to the toilet for several hours beforehand; a woman can donate blood for analysis on any days except “critical” days.

Diagnosis of cytomegalovirus is carried out using a number of methods, including immunological, virological and others.

Immunological

This method is called ELISA, which means - linked immunosorbent assay. Samples taken for research are examined under a microscope. With its help, traces of cytomegalovirus (if any) are detected visually.

To accurately characterize the virus, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay uses an indicator called the “positivity rate.”

The method is considered quite effective for determining which immunoglobulin is detected in samples and how active it is.

Molecular Biology

The purpose of studying the samples is to search for the causative agent of the virus. As part of the study, so-called PCR diagnostics are carried out (the term stands for “polymerase chain reaction”).

The DNA contained inside the virus is studied in samples taken for analysis. In this way, the researcher obtains PCR of saliva, blood, urine, and sputum.

Experts consider molecular biological techniques to be the most accurate. Their results can be obtained several days after samples are taken for analysis, even if the virus is not active at that moment.

The disadvantage of PCR is the inability to determine whether the infection is primary or a relapse in the acute stage.

By the way, PCR diagnostics of cancer patients (or rather, cancer DNA analysis) revealed connections with the Epstein-Barr virus (human herpes virus type 4). We wrote about what it is and how the Epstein-Barr virus is transmitted in the article.

Laboratory monitoring of the dynamics of ongoing processes will help doctors select the most effective treatment for this dangerous disease.

Cytological

This method is good if the analysis result needs to be obtained very quickly. He does not give explanations about any nuances, but only states: yes, there is a virus, or no, the body is not infected.

There are situations when such information is enough for the doctor to help the patient. As a study material take saliva and urine.

Samples are examined under a microscope to detect “giant cells” characteristic of CMV infection.

Virological

Detecting a virus using this technique is a rather lengthy process. The biomaterial taken for analysis is placed in a special environment in which microorganisms develop more actively than in natural conditions, after which they are identified - whether they are the desired virus or not.

Positive igg antibodies detected - what does this mean?

Antibodies that may or may not be detected in laboratory tests are immunoglobulins, a special type of protein. They are usually designated by the Latin letters Ig.

The abbreviation igg refers to antibodies that are regularly renewed (cloned) in the body, starting from the moment of their appearance (they are also called anti cmv ​​igg).

This provides protection against a particular virus throughout a person's life, provided that it is not weakened by any external or internal circumstances.

A positive igg means that the person is a carrier of cytomegalovirus and he himself has normal immunity to this disease, a negative result indicates that there is no CMV infection in the patient’s body.

Types of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM, IgG, IgD, IgE)

Immunoglobulins are represented by five classes. For CMVI, class g and class m are especially important. There are also classes a, e, d. They are distinguished by their structure, mass, and method of binding to antigens.

Based on their presence in the human body, the researcher can draw conclusions about what stage of development the disease is in, what its dynamics are and possible risks. The more complete the picture, the easier it is to choose the right treatment option.

After the body is infected (after 1-2 weeks), protection against the virus begins to form. IgM appears first, they perform their function for 8-20 weeks.

Once again they can appear during reactivation, after the virus has been in the body for a long time. True, in this case there are significantly fewer of them than during the primary infection.

IgG follows IgM, that is, they appear only 1 month after infection with the virus occurs, but they remain in the body throughout its life and help the human immune system quickly cope with the virus as soon as it begins to “raise its head.”

Having discovered one or another class of immunoglobulin in the studied samples, the specialist can draw conclusions about whether the infection is primary, how long ago the infection entered the body and whether the defense built against it is reliable.

Laboratory examination reveals the presence of a process such as “antigen-antibody” in the studied samples. Its essence is that, in contrast to the virus (experts call it “antigen”) protection is formed in the form of immunoglobulin (“antibody”).

A kind of connection is formed in which ig tries to defeat the virus and deprive it of activity.

In the course of research, it is important to establish how strong this ligament is, what, as experts say, is the “avidity index” (avidity in Latin means “appropriation”).

This helps to get answers to important questions:

  • when did the infection occur?
  • whether the concentration of the virus in the body is high.

The researcher detects both high-avidity and low-avidity antibodies. Zero avidity index means that the body is not infected with CMV.

If it is below 50 percent This means that primary infection with the virus has occurred.

The rate is from 50 to 60 percent indicates the uncertainty of the result, which means that after 3-4 weeks the study needs to be repeated.

The number 60 indicates that the disease is chronic, but the body copes with it thanks to the developed immunity.

Normal blood levels

How to identify an infection and understand how dangerous it is for the body? With the help of analyses. The virus can be detected in the patient's urine, saliva, and blood.

The more data a doctor has, the easier it is for him to select appropriate therapy.

General values

In blood test such an indicator as “titles” is important(this is the designation for the highest serum dilution at which a positive reaction to the presence of immunoglobulin is noted).

If the indicator is less than 0.5 lgM, it means that the patient’s body is not infected with cytomegalovirus. Elevated titers (from 0.5 lgM or more) confirm the presence of the virus in the patient’s blood.

In children

Deciphering a blood test for antibodies in each age category gives its own results. In children, the IgM norm is 0.7 - 1.5 (for comparison: in men - from 0.5 to 2.5, in women - from 0.7 to 2.9).

The IgG norm in young patients is from 7.0 to 13.0 (for comparison: in adults – from 7.0 to 16.0).

There are methods that, based on the results of a blood test, help to draw conclusions that the child:

  • absolutely healthy, not infected;
  • received the virus while in the womb;
  • the virus is activated, the risk to the baby’s health is high;
  • the body is infected, the risk to health is minimal.

Laboratory blood tests for expectant mothers are mandatory(by the way, not only about CMV infection).

They help determine the infection of the woman herself and her fetus. The first 12 weeks are especially important in this regard.

If the test results cause concern to the doctor, he selects the safest but most effective treatment method for the woman.

In people with immunodeficiency

Determining the presence of positive IgG in the tests of a patient with immunodeficiency requires the doctor to take emergency measures, otherwise the patient may develop pneumonia, hepatitis, various inflammations of the digestive and nervous system, and eye diseases in addition to the underlying disease.

The presence or absence of two classes of Ig (IgM and IgG) in the body helps the specialist draw a picture of the processes occurring with great accuracy:

What to do?

Opponents and supporters of treatment for CMV infection, when the infection is in a “preserved” state, have their own reasons and arguments.

However, all experts agree on one thing: There are categories of people for whom treatment should be mandatory. This:

  • patients diagnosed with HIV;
  • patients who have undergone organ transplantation;
  • patients receiving chemotherapy sessions.

Pregnant women are sometimes included in this list, but each case is considered individually.

General information about the study

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) belongs to the herpes virus family. Just like other representatives of this group, it can persist in a person throughout his life. In healthy people with normal immunity, the primary infection occurs without complications (and is often asymptomatic). However, cytomegalovirus is dangerous during pregnancy (for the child) and during immunodeficiency.

Cytomegalovirus can be infected through various biological fluids: saliva, urine, semen, blood. In addition, it is transmitted from mother to child (during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding).

As a rule, cytomegalovirus infection is asymptomatic. Sometimes the disease resembles infectious mononucleosis: the temperature rises, the throat hurts, and the lymph nodes become enlarged. In the future, the virus remains inside the cells in an inactive state, but if the body is weakened, it will begin to multiply again.

It is important for a woman to know whether she has been infected with CMV in the past because this is what determines whether she is at risk for pregnancy complications. If she has already been infected before, then the risk is minimal. During pregnancy, an old infection may worsen, but this form usually does not cause serious consequences.

If a woman has not yet had CMV, then she is at risk and should pay special attention to CMV prevention. It is the infection that the mother contracted for the first time during pregnancy that is dangerous for the child.

During a primary infection in a pregnant woman, the virus often enters the child’s body. This does not mean that he will get sick. As a rule, CMV infection is asymptomatic. However, in approximately 10% of cases it leads to congenital pathologies: microcephaly, cerebral calcification, rash and enlargement of the spleen and liver. This is often accompanied by a decrease in intelligence and deafness, and even death is possible.

Thus, it is important for the expectant mother to know whether she has been infected with CMV in the past. If so, then the risk of complications due to possible CMV becomes negligible. If not, you need to take special care during pregnancy:

  • avoid unprotected sex,
  • do not come into contact with another person’s saliva (do not kiss, do not share dishes, toothbrushes, etc.),
  • observe the rules of hygiene when playing with children (wash your hands if saliva or urine gets on them),
  • get tested for CMV if there are signs of general malaise.

In addition, cytomegalovirus is dangerous if the immune system is weakened (for example, due to immunosuppressants or HIV). In AIDS, CMV is severe and is a common cause of death in patients.

The main symptoms of cytomegalovirus infection:

  • inflammation of the retina (which can lead to blindness),
  • colitis (inflammation of the colon),
  • esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus),
  • neurological disorders (encephalitis, etc.).

The production of antibodies is one of the ways to fight a viral infection. There are several classes of antibodies (IgG, IgM, IgA, etc.).

Antibodies of class G (IgG) are present in the blood in the greatest quantities (compared to other types of immunoglobulins). During primary infection, their levels increase in the first weeks after infection and then can remain high for years.

In addition to quantity, IgG avidity is often determined - the strength with which the antibody binds to the antigen. The higher the avidity, the stronger and faster the antibodies bind viral proteins. When a person is first infected with CMV, his IgG antibodies have low avidity, then (after three months) it becomes high. IgG avidity indicates how long ago the initial CMV infection occurred.

What is the research used for?

  • To determine whether a person has been infected with CMV in the past.
  • For the diagnosis of cytomegalovirus infection.
  • To identify the causative agent of a disease that is similar to cytomegalovirus infection.

When is the study scheduled?

  • During pregnancy (or when planning it) - to assess the risk of complications (screening study), with symptoms of cytomegalovirus infection, with abnormalities in the fetus according to ultrasound results.
  • For symptoms of cytomegalovirus infection in people with weakened immune systems.
  • For symptoms of mononucleosis (if tests do not detect Epstein-Barr virus).

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a type 5 herpes virus. CMV infection is present in the majority of the world's population. For a long time, cytomegalovirus, like other herpes viruses, can exist in a latent form. It only appears when the immune system is weakened. This may be due to a previous illness or the person’s membership in a risk group, which includes:

  • HIV-infected;
  • pregnant women (intrauterine infection of the fetus is especially dangerous);
  • leukemia patients;
  • have undergone organ transplantation.

Methods of contracting CMV infection

Cytomegalovirus is transmitted:

  • through household contact (by contact with contaminated saliva: through dishes or by kissing);
  • sexually (through contact with infected semen or vaginal secretions);
  • by intrauterine infection (transplacental route) or during childbirth;
  • through breast milk.

Clinical manifestations of cytomegalovirus

The period of exacerbation of the disease lasts from 2 to 6 weeks and is expressed in general weakness, muscle pain, chills, headaches, and a restructuring of the immune system occurs in the body.

CMV infection can also manifest itself;

  • as an acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI);
  • as a chronic nonspecific inflammation of the genital organs and organs of the urinary system;
  • in a generalized form (characterized by damage to internal organs, accompanied by bronchitis and pneumonia, which are difficult to respond to antibiotics; inflammation of the joints, enlargement of the salivary glands).

Moreover, cytomegalovirus can cause pregnancy disorders, pathologies of the fetus and infant. CMV infection is one of the main causes of miscarriages.

Cytomegalovirus: IgM negative IgG positive

Diagnosis of cytomegalovirus is carried out mainly by PCR or ELISA. Enzyme immunoassay is based on determining the presence of antibodies in the blood - determining the immune system's response to infection. A positive IgG result indicates that the primary infection with CMV was more than three weeks ago (it is observed in 90% of people). It is desirable that a woman who is planning a pregnancy in the near future has a similar result. However, an increase in the IgG norm by 4 times or more means the onset of a period of activation of cytomegalovirus and requires specialist intervention.

Usually the concentration of immunoglobulin IgM is determined. The result of IgM (-), IgG (+) represents the most favorable situation for pregnancy, when immunity has been developed and there is no risk of primary infection. Cytomegalovirus is amenable to preventive measures and does not pose a danger to the fetus.

Description

Determination method Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Material under study Blood serum

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Antibodies of the IgM class to cytomegalovirus (CMV, CMV).

In response to the introduction of cytomegalovirus (CMV) into the body, immune restructuring of the body develops. The incubation period ranges from 15 days to 3 months. With this infection, non-sterile immunity occurs (that is, complete elimination of the virus is not observed). Immunity to cytomegalovirus infection (CMV) is unstable and slow. Reinfection with an exogenous virus or reactivation of a latent infection is possible. Due to long-term persistence in the body, the virus affects all parts of the patient’s immune system. The body's protective reaction manifests itself, first of all, in the form of the formation of specific antibodies of the IgM and IgG classes to CMV. Specific antibodies are responsible for the lysis of the intracellular virus and also inhibit its intracellular replication or spread from cell to cell. Sera from patients after primary infection contain antibodies that react with internal proteins of CMV (p28, p65, p150). The serum of recovered people contains mainly antibodies that react with membrane glycoproteins. The greatest diagnostic significance is the determination of IgM as an indicator of the activity of the process, which may indicate an acutely ongoing disease, reinfection, superinfection or reactivation. The appearance of anti-CMV IgM antibodies in a previously seronegative patient indicates a primary infection. During endogenous reactivation of an infection, IgM antibodies are formed irregularly (usually in fairly low concentrations) or may be completely absent. Detection of class G immunoglobulins also makes it possible to determine primary cytomegalovirus infection (CMVI), monitor over time individuals with clinical manifestations of infection, and help with retrospective diagnosis. In severe CMV disease, as well as in pregnant women and young children, the production of antibodies to CMV is slowed down. This is manifested by the detection of specific antibodies in low concentrations or the absence of positive dynamics of antibodies. Features of infection. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a widespread viral infection of the body, which belongs to the so-called opportunistic infections, which usually occur latently. Clinical manifestations are observed against the background of physiological immunodeficiency states (children of the first 3 - 5 years of life, pregnant women - more often in the 2nd and 3rd trimester), as well as in persons with congenital or acquired immunodeficiencies (HIV infection, use of immunosuppressants, oncohematological diseases, radiation, diabetes and so on.). Cytomegalovirus is a virus of the herpes virus family. Like other members of the family, after infection it remains in the body almost for life. Stable in humid environments. The risk group includes children 5 - 6 years old, adults 16 - 30 years old, as well as people who practice anal sex. Children are susceptible to airborne transmission from parents and other children with latent forms of infection. For adults, sexual transmission is more common. The virus is found in semen and other body fluids. Vertical transmission of infection (from mother to fetus) occurs transplacentally and during childbirth. CMV infection is characterized by a variety of clinical manifestations, but with full immunity it is clinically asymptomatic. In rare cases, a picture of infectious mononucleosis develops (about 10% of all cases of infectious mononucleosis), clinically indistinguishable from mononucleosis caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Replication of the virus occurs in the tissues of the reticuloendothelial system, epithelium of the urogenital tract, liver, mucous membrane of the respiratory tract and digestive tract. When immunity is reduced after organ transplantation, immunosuppressive therapy, HIV infection, as well as in newborns, CMV poses a serious threat, since the disease can affect any organ. the development of hepatitis, pneumonia, esophagitis, gastritis, colitis, retinitis, diffuse encephalopathy, fever, leukopenia is possible. The disease can be fatal.

Cytomegalovirus infection in pregnant women, examination during pregnancy. When a pregnant woman is initially infected with cytomegalovirus (in 35–50% of cases) or the infection is reactivated during pregnancy (in 8–10% of cases), an intrauterine infection develops. If an intrauterine infection develops before 10 weeks, there is a risk of developmental defects and possible spontaneous termination of pregnancy. When infected at 11-28 weeks, intrauterine growth retardation and hypo- or dysplasia of internal organs occur. If infection occurs at a later stage, the lesion may be generalized, affecting a specific organ (for example, fetal hepatitis) or appear after birth (hypertensive-hydrocephalic syndrome, hearing impairment, interstitial pneumonitis, etc.). Manifestations of infection also depend on maternal immunity, virulence and localization of the virus.

To date, a vaccine against cytomegalovirus has not been developed. Drug therapy allows you to increase the period of remission and influence the recurrence of infection, but does not eliminate the virus from the body. It is impossible to completely cure this disease: cytomegalovirus cannot be removed from the body. But if you promptly, at the slightest suspicion of infection with this virus, consult a doctor and carry out the necessary tests, then you can keep the infection in a “dormant” state for many years. This will ensure a normal pregnancy and the birth of a healthy child. Laboratory diagnosis of cytomegalovirus infection is of particular importance in the following categories of subjects:

Consecutive repeated determination of the level of IgG antibodies in newborns makes it possible to distinguish congenital infection (constant level) from neonatal infection (increasing titers). If the titer of IgG antibodies does not increase during repeated (after two weeks) analysis, then there is no reason for alarm; if the titer of IgG increases, the issue of abortion should be considered. IMPORTANT! CMV infection is part of the group of TORCH infections (the name is formed by the initial letters in the Latin names - Toxoplasma, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes), which are considered potentially dangerous for the development of a child. Ideally, a woman should consult a doctor and undergo laboratory testing for TORCH infection 2 to 3 months before the planned pregnancy, since in this case it will be possible to take appropriate therapeutic or preventive measures, and also, if necessary, compare the results of studies before pregnancy in the future with the results of examinations during pregnancy.

Indications for use

  • Preparing for pregnancy.
  • Signs of intrauterine infection, feto-placental insufficiency.
  • State of immunosuppression due to HIV infection, neoplastic diseases, taking cytostatic drugs, etc.
  • Clinical picture of infectious mononucleosis in the absence of infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus.
  • Hepato-splenomegaly of unknown origin.
  • Fever of unknown etiology.
  • Increased levels of liver transaminases, gamma-GT, alkaline phosphatase in the absence of markers of viral hepatitis.
  • Atypical course of pneumonia in children.
  • Miscarriage (frozen pregnancy, recurrent miscarriages).

Interpretation of results

Interpretation of research results contains information for the attending physician and is not a diagnosis. The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. The doctor makes an accurate diagnosis using both the results of this examination and the necessary information from other sources: medical history, results of other examinations, etc.

Reference values: in the INVITRO laboratory, when anti-CMV IgM antibodies are detected, the result is “positive”; if they are absent, the result is “negative”. At very low values ​​(“gray zone”) the answer “doubtful, it is recommended to repeat in 10 - 14 days” is given. Attention! To increase the information content of the research, an IgG antibody avidity study is performed as an additional test to clarify the likelihood of a recent primary infection. It is carried out free of charge for the patient in cases where the result of the anti-CMV-IgM antibody test is positive or doubtful. If test No. 2AVCMV Avidity of IgG antibodies to cytomegalovirus is ordered by the client immediately when filling out the application, it is performed in any case and is paid for.

Negative:

  1. CMV infection occurred more than 3 to 4 weeks ago;
  2. infection in the period 3 - 4 weeks before the examination is excluded;
  3. intrauterine infection is unlikely.

Positively:

  1. primary infection or reactivation of infection;
  2. intrauterine infection is possible.

“Doubtful” is a borderline value that does not allow reliably (with a probability of more than 95%) to classify the result as “Positive” or “Negative”. It should be borne in mind that such a result is possible with a very low level of antibodies, which can occur, in particular, in the initial period of the disease. Depending on the clinical situation, repeat testing of antibody levels after 10-14 days may be useful to assess changes.

) belongs to the family of herpetic viruses and poses a danger to the human body. It is especially undesirable to infect young children with it. Infection can occur at any moment, and a person may not even be aware of it.

There are currently no vaccines or treatments against cytomegalovirus. Once it enters the body, it remains there forever. Therefore, it is very important to get tested and, if the result is positive, to suppress the activity of the virus as quickly as possible.

Cytomegalovirus: what is important to know

Cytomegalovirus, having entered the human body, can manifest itself only after two months with the following:

  • fever;
  • headache;
  • general malaise;
  • bowel disorder.

This is its active phase. It happens that the immune system quickly reacts and suppresses cytomegalovirus, but the person remains its carrier, without experiencing discomfort or illness, and secretes it:

  • with saliva;
  • with urine;
  • with sperm;
  • with breast milk;
  • with vaginal secretions.

Infection can occur:

  • through sexual intercourse;
  • through dirty hands;
  • by airborne droplets;
  • through tableware;
  • through general hygiene items;
  • through the placenta;
  • through blood during childbirth;
  • during organ transplantation;
  • during blood transfusion;
  • when any biomaterial from a sick person comes into contact with the mucous membranes or damaged areas of the body of a healthy person.

CMV will be more rampant in a child’s body and in a weakened adult. It is especially dangerous for the fetus in the womb and for infants. Cytomegalovirus can cause childhood deafness, blindness, disturbances in the central nervous system, and even death.

Why is CMV so dangerous? The fact is that it is embedded in the DNA of healthy cells, and it is impossible to get it out of there. It is in the fetus that the virus causes irreversible changes in the cells of the still emerging new organism.

Once faced with a virus, the human body spends a lot of energy on it, producing antibodies - immunoglobulins, and remembers it. By the presence or absence of immunoglobulins, one can judge whether the infection is primary or recurrent.

Tests for the determination of CMV in the human body

To make an accurate diagnosis and detect CMV in the body, you need to take a test. Only laboratory test results can accurately indicate the presence or absence of the virus.

Who should be tested for CMV?

Anyone can get tested for CMV in the laboratory or they can be prescribed.

Tests for CMV are necessary:

  • everyone who is planning to conceive;
  • pregnant women at any stage (best at 11-12 weeks);
  • people with weakened immune systems;
  • infants if they are at risk (the mother was infected during pregnancy or the virus became active during this period);
  • donors and recipients;
  • people with symptoms indicating infection with cytomegalovirus.

Types of tests for the determination of CMV

CMV can be recognized in several ways.

  1. Cytological. That is, cellular. Answers the question about the presence or absence of a virus. Low information content.
  2. Virological. The collected biomaterial is placed in a favorable environment where colonies of microorganisms are grown. After this they are identified. This is a long procedure.
  3. Immunological.. Biological material is studied under a microscope for traces of the vital activity of the virus.
  4. Molecular biological. The most popular, fast and informative research method. This analysis is called PCR - polymerase chain reaction.

Description of the procedure

Blood is taken from a vein for analysis in the morning on an empty stomach. No special ones required. The purpose of the study is to identify or refute the presence of ImG and ImM in the biomaterial.

Im are immunoglobulins (antibodies) that the body produces as a result of a reaction to a foreign object - a virus. That is, it is the result of the immune system. In this case, antibodies G and M. Moreover, M are immunoglobulins during the first reaction of the body, and G are developed as immunity only later. It turns out: M directly fight the infection, and G protect the body in case of relapse.

It is the presence of G-antibodies that indicates that the body has “remembered” the virus.

The test results are given in titers. Titer is the concentration of ImG and ImM in the maximally diluted blood serum. The concept of a norm does not exist. Either immunoglobulins are present, which already indicates the presence of CMV, or not. A negative result indicates that the body has not encountered CMV. However, the concentration of antibodies can indicate the activity of the virus or.

Table: approximate norms for CMV content in the blood

Table: meaning of test results and further measures

ImM ImG Meaning Danger to the fetus
The body has never encountered the virus. At the time of testing, there is no infection or it has just occurred. It is necessary to conduct repeated studies after three weeks. At this stage there is no risk to the fetus, but the test should be repeated.
+ Primary infection has occurred. Active phase of CMV. The patient may experience weakness, runny nose, fever and rashes. Then treatment is necessary. Infection can also be asymptomatic, but the person is contagious. Conception in this case is unacceptable. If a woman is already pregnant, there is a risk to the fetus, the decision is made by the attending physician.
+ + The virus has entered the active phase. These results indicate a raging primary infection (low avidity*) or a relapse (high avidity*). In the first case the danger is high, in the second it is practically non-existent.
+ The body has long encountered CMV and developed immunity. Virtually non-existent.

* – shows how tightly the antibodies are bound to the antigens. During primary infection, avidity is low, and when early infection is activated, it is high.

Table: ImG titer values ​​in young children

What you should know:

  1. CMV is incurable and approximately 85% of the world's population are carriers.
  2. CMV can cause miscarriages and missed pregnancies.
  3. Pregnant women who test negative are at risk and should be tested again after three weeks, and should also avoid contact with children who attend school or kindergarten.
  4. Cytomegalovirus, which has subsided in the body, is activated when the immune system is weakened. Therefore, it is very important to monitor your health: lead a healthy lifestyle, eat more vegetables and fruits, avoid lack of sleep, stress and overwork.

It is important to follow simple rules: avoid contact with a clearly sick person, wash your hands often, and have your own hygiene items.

Timely tests for CMV are the key to the health of both adults and children.