Cytomegalovirus

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common herpesvirus found in humans. Like other herpesviruses, it is a life-long infection that remains in a latent state inside the human body, until it is 'reactivated' by appropriate conditions.

Prevalence
CMV infects between 60% to 70% of adults in industrialized countries and close to 100% in emerging countries.

Much is unknown about CMV, although it has been found in salivary glands and myeloid blood cells such as monocytes. It has also been linked to the development of certain cancers. Congenital CMV is a leading infectious cause of deafness, learning disabilities, and intellectual disability. A common treatment for CMV is valganciclovir, commonly known as Valcyte.

Several herpesviruses including cytomegalovirus may cause false positives on Lyme disease tests.

Treatments

 * Artesunate
 * Gancyclovir (brand names include Cytovene)
 * Valganciclovir (brand names include Valcyte)

Notable studies

 * 2020, Cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr Virus, and Human herpesvirus-6 Infections in Patients With Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - (Abstract)