CMV pneumonia: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

CMV pneumonia: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

CMV pneumonia

    

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can occur in people who have a suppressed immune system.

Causes

CMV pneumonia is caused by a member of a group of herpes-type viruses. Infection with CMV is very common. Most people are exposed to CMV in their lifetime, but typically only those with weakened immune systems become ill from CMV infection.

Serious CMV infections can occur in people with weakened immune systems as a result of:

• HIV/AIDS
• Bone marrow transplant
• Chemotherapy or other treatments that suppress the immune system
• Organ transplant

In people who have had organ and bone marrow transplants, the risk for infection is greatest 5 to 13 weeks after the transplant.