What Is CMV? 

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) belongs to the group of herpes viruses and is highly prevalent. 

 

How is it spread? 

CMV is transmitted by close contact through bodily fluids. 

 

Prevalence 

About 50% of the general population carries this virus. The probability that a person will at some point become infected with this virus is over 90%. 

 

Symptoms 

This viral infection usually has no symptoms and goes unnoticed, but the virus remains in the body and can be reactivated. 

 

Complications and diseases 

CMV can cause serious problems in people with a weakened immune system and in children whose immune systems are still developing. CMV infections can be especially dangerous to pregnant women and the baby they carry. 

CMV infections are the most common infections that cause congenital malformations (congenital disorders) in children, especially if there is an infection in the first trimester of pregnancy. If an infection occurs during pregnancy, in about 40% of cases the virus crosses the placenta and infects the fetus which may result in the development of congenital CMV syndrome. 

Symptoms of congenital CMV syndrome are hepatosplenomegaly (enlargement of the spleen and liver), thrombocytopenia (platelets), hyperbilirubinemia (increased bilirubin), hemolytic anemia, microcephalus (small head), chorioretinitis (damage to the eyes), encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), atypical lymphocytosis. 

 

Diagnosis 

Serological methods detect the presence of antibodies to CMV. This method is recommended for adults, but it cannot detect an infection of the fetus. 

The presence of cytomegalovirus in infants in the prenatal period can only be done by PCR, which is the test we do in our laboratory. 

Testing is recommended if there exist IgM antibodies specific for CMV. 

 

DNA testing 

In out lab we detect the presence of pathogens only by PCR. 

The result of the analysis is obtained within one business day. 

 

Samples for analysis 

From samples of the chorionic villi (CVS), amniotic fluid or umbilical cord blood we can determine whether the pathogen was able to pass through the placenta and infect the baby. This test is only done by PCR. 

Samples are taken solely by gynecologists. 

 

Prices 

These prices do not include sampling CVS, amniotic fluid or umbilical cord blood - these samples are taken exclusively by gynecologists at extra cost. 

Cytomegalovirus 12.000 

Combined tests 

Cytomegalovirus and toxoplasma 20.000QF-PCR and cytomegalovirus 20.000QF-PCR, cytomegalovirus and toxoplasma 26.000 

Prices for all tests in the field of human health and payment instructions can be found here.