Cytomegalovirus – IgM Antibodies (CMV-IgM)

CMV IgM antibody is generated following primary CMV infection but also can appear during nonprimary CMV infection and is thus of limited diagnostic use by itself. In contrast, the presence of low CMV IgG avidity has been shown to be a unique and reliable serologic indicator of primary CMV infection.

Positive CMV IgM results indicate a recent infection (primary, reactivation, or reinfection). IgM antibody responses in secondary (reactivation) CMV infections have been demonstrated in some CMV mononucleosis patients, a few pregnant women, and kidney and cardiac transplant patients.

CMV stands for cytomegalovirus. It is a common virus that can infect anyone, anytime. Donors who have had a CMV infection, but not an active one during the time of donation, will have a positive (+) CMV status. Sperm donors who have never had a CMV infection will have a negative (-) CMV status.