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Glossary

Acquired Infection - Infection with CMV that occurred sometime after birth.

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.

CMV IgM - Antibody made early at the time of the first infection with CMV. It usually disappears within 12 to 18 weeks and, therefore, can be used as indication of a recent infection in healthy individuals.

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.

Disease - Damage to tissues that gives signs and symptoms.

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.

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").

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.

- courtesy of the National Congenital CMV Disease Registry