CMV Blood Test in London (cytomegalovirus) 

CMV spreads through close contact with bodily fluids like saliva, urine, blood, semen, and breast milk. This means it’s often passed between young children, through sexual contact, or from mother to baby during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Sharing utensils, kissing, or touching infected surfaces and not washing your hands can also spread CMV.

Preventing CMV involves practising good hygiene, such as washing hands regularly with soap and water, especially after changing nappies or handling children’s toys. Pregnant women should avoid sharing utensils or drinks with young children and minimise direct contact with their saliva to lower the risk of transmission.

In most healthy adults and children, CMV causes no noticeable symptoms. If symptoms do appear, they may resemble mild flu-like illnesses, such as fatigue, fever, sore throat, or swollen glands. In rare cases, it can cause more severe symptoms, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems or pregnant women.

CMV is usually diagnosed with blood tests that detect the virus or antibodies your body has produced in response to it. Sometimes, urine or saliva tests may also be used to confirm the presence of the virus, especially in newborns suspected of having a CMV infection.

CMV is one of the most common infections that can pass from a pregnant mother to her baby through the placenta. This is called congenital CMV, and it can sometimes lead to serious health problems for the baby, such as hearing loss, vision problems, seizures, or developmental delays. Babies born with CMV may also have a low birth weight or show signs of illness at birth.

Pregnant women are more likely to get CMV if they have frequent contact with young children, who are often carriers of the virus. While not every baby exposed to CMV will develop health issues, understanding the risks and taking precautions can help reduce the likelihood of transmission during pregnancy.

There is no cure for CMV, but in most cases, treatment is not necessary because healthy people can manage the virus on their own. For those with weakened immune systems or severe symptoms, antiviral medications can help control the infection and reduce complications. Babies with congenital CMV may also benefit from antiviral treatments to minimise the long-term effects of the virus.

The outlook for people with CMV depends on their overall health and whether complications develop. Most healthy individuals recover fully without lasting effects. However, early diagnosis and management are crucial for high-risk groups, such as pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals, to prevent serious health issues.

Congenital CMV (cytomegalovirus) occurs when a baby is infected with CMV before birth. This happens when a pregnant mother passes the virus to her baby through the placenta. While many babies with congenital CMV show no symptoms at birth, some can experience serious health problems such as hearing loss, vision issues, developmental delays, or seizures. It is one of the leading causes of birth-related disabilities worldwide. Early detection can help manage the condition and reduce the risk of long-term complications.

Treatment for congenital CMV often involves antiviral medications, such as ganciclovir or valganciclovir. These medicines can reduce the severity of symptoms and help prevent further complications, especially if started within the first few weeks of life. Supportive care, including regular hearing and vision tests, as well as therapy for developmental delays, may also be part of the treatment plan. Early intervention is key to improving the long-term outlook for babies affected by congenital CMV.

Routine CMV testing during pregnancy is not currently recommended in the UK for all pregnant women. This is because most CMV infections are mild and cause no harm to the baby, and testing every pregnant woman could lead to unnecessary worry and interventions. Additionally, there is no guaranteed way to prevent transmission to the baby, even if the mother is known to have CMV during pregnancy. The decision to test is usually based on specific risks or symptoms, such as abnormal ultrasound findings or concerns about a mother’s exposure to CMV.

At London Pregnancy Clinic we focus on educating our patients about reducing the risk of CMV transmission during pregnancy, such as practising good hygiene and avoiding contact with saliva and urine from young children. If a CMV infection is suspected or diagnosed, additional monitoring like specialised ultrasounds and further tests may be recommended. Targeted testing allows doctors to provide the best care for both mother and baby without unnecessary interventions.