Cytomegalovirus (CMV): Symptoms, Complications and Testing

What Are Symptoms of Cytomegalovirus?

In most healthy individuals, cytomegalovirus causes no visible signs of illness. When symptoms appear, they tend to resemble those of a mild viral infection and typically improve within a few weeks. The body's immune system usually suppresses the virus, preventing long-term effects.

Typical symptoms can include:

• Persistent tiredness or low energy
• Mild fever or chills
• Aches in muscles or joints
• Sore throat
• Swollen glands, particularly in the neck

For individuals with weakened immunity, symptoms may be more intense or prolonged.

What Are Complications of Cytomegalovirus?

Serious complications are uncommon in healthy people but may arise when the immune system cannot effectively control the virus or when infection occurs before birth. In individuals with weakened immunity, CMV may inflame or damage internal organs, sometimes affecting several systems at once.

Potential complications include:

• Hepatitis (liver inflammation)
• Lung inflammation or pneumonia
• Inflammation of the stomach or intestines, occasionally with ulcers
• Retinitis, which can cause blurred vision or permanent sight loss
• Neurological effects, such as seizures or confusion
• Widespread infection affecting organs like the brain, liver, or lungs

In congenital (present at birth) CMV infections, complications may affect a child's growth or development, such as:

• Hearing loss, which may develop over time
• Developmental or learning difficulties
• Growth restriction or poor weight gain
• Smaller than normal head size (microcephaly)
• Visual impairment
• Seizures or neurological abnormalities

How Is Cytomegalovirus Tested and Diagnosed?

Diagnosing CMV involves a laboratory testing of blood, urine, saliva, or tissue samples to detect traces of the virus or the body's immune response. Several methods may be used depending on the situation:

• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test – Detects CMV DNA in blood, urine, or saliva, allowing early identification of active or congenital infections.
• Serological test – Measures CMV antibodies (IgM and IgG) to show whether infection is recent or occurred previously.
• Tissue biopsy – Conducted when CMV-related damage to an organ is suspected, such as in the liver, lungs, or digestive tract.

Routine CMV screening is not typically carried out for healthy individuals. However, testing may be advised during pregnancy, before organ transplantation, or for people whose immune defences are reduced.

Treatment and Management of Cytomegalovirus

Although there is no definitive cure for CMV, most infections clear naturally without treatment. Care focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications, particularly for individuals at higher risk.

For mild or symptom-free cases, close observation is usually sufficient. Antiviral medications such as ganciclovir, valganciclovir, foscarnet, or cidofovir may be prescribed when the infection is severe or the immune system is compromised. These medicines help suppress the virus and prevent further damage to affected organs.

Supportive measures such as staying well hydrated, getting adequate rest, and maintaining overall health help with recovery. For individuals with weakened immune systems or those who have received organ transplants, care is usually guided by a specialist.

How Much Does Cytomegalovirus Testing & Treatment Cost?

CMV testing is available at Singapore Women's Clinic as an individual blood test or included within our genital ulcer screening packages.

*All prices are NETT and inclusive of GST.

We also provide confidential and discreet STI testing, with treatment options available when required. For your comfort, you may request to see a male or female doctor, subject to availability.

To find out more about our tests or to arrange an appointment, please contact us.