Department of Pediatrics

Glossary

Master
Terms

Item Term
Antibody

Item Definition

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.

Item Term
CMV IgG

Item Definition

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

Item Term
CMV IgM

Item Definition

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.

Item Term
Congenital Infection

Item Definition

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.

Item Term
Disease

Item Definition

Damage to tissues that gives signs and symptoms.

Item Term
Immunity

Item Definition

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

Item Term
Infection

Item Definition

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

Item Term
Acquired Infection

Item Definition

Infection with CMV that occurred sometime after birth.

Item Term
Primary CMV Infection

Item Definition

The first time someone catches CMV infection.

Terms

Item Term
Reinfection

Item Definition

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.

Item Term
Seropositive

Item Definition

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

Item Term
Seronegative

Item Definition

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

Item Term
Virus Shedding

Item Definition

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.