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Glossary

Acquired Infection

Infection with CMV that occurred sometime after birth.

Anemia

A deficiency of hemoglobin (red blood cells that carry oxygen to the tissues), often causing weakness or breathlessness.

Antibody

Immune substance in the serum portion of the blood that helps fight off and control the infection or disease. There are at least two types of antibodies, IgG and IgM, produced in response to a CMV infection.

CMV IgG

Antibody made at the time of first infection. It persists throughout life after a CMV infection.

Congenital Infection

Infection passed from mother to unborn child prior to birth. It is documented by isolation of the virus from a body fluid, such as urine, collected in the first three weeks of the baby's life.

Cortical Blindness

Loss of sight due to a lesion in the visual cortex (the portion of the brain that receives and processes images from the optic nerves).

Cytogam

Cytomegalovirus Immune Globulin Intravenous (CMV-IGIV) treatment may reduce the risk of congenital infection and/or neonatal disease when given to pregnant women experiencing a primary CMV infection.

Disease

Damage to tissues that gives signs and symptoms.

EEG

Or Electroencephalogram. A graphic record of brain waves representing electrical activity in the brain, used in the diagnosis of seizures and other neurological disorders.

Ganciclovir

An antiviral medication used in the treatment of CMV infections, typically administered through an IV.

Hypertonia

Increased rigidity, tension and spasticity of the muscles.

Hypotonia

Loss of muscular tonicity, resulting in stretching of the muscles beyond their normal limits.

Immunity

Body's ability to resist infection based on the production of antibodies and white blood cells.

Infection

Entry of an agent, such as CMV, into the body. Usually there is production of an immune response. Infection may or may not be associated with disease.

Jaundice

Yellow discoloration of the skin due to an increase of bile pigments in the blood.

Microcephaly

Small head or small brain size.

Neutropenia

A decrease in the number of neutrophils (granular white blood cell that is highly destructive of microorganisms) in the blood.

Petechiae/Purpira

A small, purplish spot or rash on the skin or body surface.

Primary CMV Infection

The first time someone catches CMV infection.

Reactivated CMV Infection

A type of recurrent CMV infection. It is a prior infection that has become active again, usually causing viral shedding and rarely causing symptoms of infection and viral shedding.

Reinfection

A type of recurrent CMV infection. It is a repeat infection with a new strain of the CMV virus. This type of infection is very unusual and may only occur during special circumstances. Its consequences are unknown at this time.

Seronegative

Antibody (IgG) absent or negative in serum ("non-immune").

Seropositive

Antibody (IgG) present or positive in serum ("immune").

Thrombocytopenia

An abnormal decrease in the number of blood platelets.

Valganciclovir

An antiviral medication used in the treatment of CMV infections, typically administered orally.

Virus Shedding

Presence of the virus active in body fluids, such as urine, saliva, breast milk, semen, and cervical secretions. Virus shedding can be detected by a viral culture. It also may be called virus excretion.