Description
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a member of the herpesvirus group (Beta subfamily, DNA virus of 150-200 nm).
These viruses share a characteristic ability to remain dormant within the body over a long period. Initial CMV infection, which may have few symptoms, is always followed by a prolonged, inapparent infection during which the virus resides in cells without causing detectable damage or clinical illness. Severe impairment of the body´s immune system by medication or disease consistently reactivates the virus from the latent or dormant state. CMV is found universally throughout all geographic locations and socioeconomic groups and infects between 50% and 85% of adults.
