CMV gB antibody

Background of CMV gB antibody

Human Cytomegalovirus is a herpesvirus of  the betaherpesvirinae subfamily. The members of this subfamily tend to have a restricted host range, slow spread in cell culture and a long growth cycle as compared to Herpes Simplex Virus. CMV infected cells may become enlarged (cytomegalia), showing intranuclear inclusions. Co-survival of cell and virus is often established. Two recently recognized herpes viruses, HHV-6 and HHV-7, also belong to the betaherpesvirinae subfamily.

The virus is found universally throughout all geographic locations and socioeconomic groups and infects between 50 and 85% of adults in the United States by 40 years of age. CMV is also the virus most transmitted to a developing child before birth. The infection is more widespread in developing countries and in areas of lower socioeconomic conditions. For most healthy people who acquire the virus after birth, there are few symptoms and no long-term health consequences. Symptomatic experiences can include a mononucleosis-like syndrome with prolonged fever and a mild hepatitis. Once a person becomes infected, the virus remains viable but usually dormant in that person for life. For the vast majority of people, CMV infections are not a serious problem.

CMV infection is problematic to certain high-risk groups. These groups include (1) the unborn child (neonate) (2) people who work with children and (3) the immunocompromised, such as organ transplant patients and those infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Neonates, infected in utero, may present with rashes, hepatitis, gastroenteritis and a range of organ specific maladies. With supportive treatment, most survive. However, in the first few years of life, 80-90% of the survivors will experience complications that may include hearing loss, vision impairment and varying degrees of mental retardation. CMV has also been associated with retinitis and increased mortality in patient groups undergoing immunosuppression due to organ transplant treatment or HIV infection.