Acute cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a condition caused by a member of the herpesvirus family. In most people with a normal immune system, CMV infection does not cause any symptoms. But, some people with this infection develop a "mononucleosis syndrome."

See also: Mononucleosis

Mononucleosis can be caused by several different viruses and a few types of bacteria. Unlike the more common form of mononucleosis, caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), acute CMV infection is caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV).

The symptoms of mononucleosis syndrome with CMV include fever and fatigue. Swollen lymph glands in the neck, sore throat, and swollen spleen are less common with CMV. Up to a third of patients may have a rash.

The infection is spread by saliva, urine, respiratory droplets, sexual contact, and blood transfusions. Some young children release the virus in their urine for a long period of time, even when they do not have symptoms. CMV infection may occur at any age. It most commonly develops between the ages of 10 and 35.

Most people are exposed to CMV early in life and do not realize it because they have no symptoms.

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Enlarged lymph nodes, especially in the neck
• Malaise (vague ill feeling)
• Frequent tiredness or fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Muscular aches or stiffness

• Jaundice (yellow cast to skin)
• Headache
• Neck stiffness
• Sensitivity to light
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Rapid heart rate
• Irregular heart rate
• Hives

Your health care provider will perform a physical exam and feel your belly area. The liver and spleen may be tender when they are gently pressed (palpated). There may be a skin rash.

Special lab tests will be done to check for substances in your blood that are produced by CMV. This includes a CMV ELISA antibody test and CMV serum PCR test.

A monospot test should be negative in CMV mononucleosis.

Blood tests show a low number of platelets and a high number of certain white blood cells.

A chemistry panel may show abnormal liver enzymes.