Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 1, 2026

05:53
Use of In vivo Imaging to Monitor the Progression of Experimental Mouse Cytomegalovirus Infection in Neonates
Published on: July 6, 2013
Cytomegalovirus: pathogen, paradigm, and puzzle
Michael Boeckh1, Adam P Geballe
1Division of Vaccine and Infectious Disease, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA.
The Journal of Clinical Investigation
|June 11, 2011
Summary
Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) causes disease in immunocompromised individuals. Recent advances improve understanding and management of this herpesvirus, though persistence and pathogenesis mechanisms require further study.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common herpesvirus with significant health impacts, particularly in immunocompromised populations.
- CMV infection is a major concern for transplant recipients, individuals with advanced AIDS, and congenitally infected newborns.
Observation:
- Despite advances in diagnostics and treatment, key aspects of CMV remain poorly understood.
- Uncertainties persist regarding the mechanisms of viral persistence and pathogenesis.
Findings:
- Recent molecular virology and diagnostic improvements enhance the management of CMV infections.
- Research is actively exploring hypothesized roles of CMV in various human illnesses.
Implications:
- Continued research into CMV persistence and pathogenesis is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies.
- A deeper understanding of CMV will improve clinical outcomes for vulnerable patient groups.
Related Concept Videos
Cytomegalovirus Disease
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
What are Viruses?
Overview
Viral Recombination
Cells are sometimes infected by more than one virus at once. When two viruses disassemble to expose their genomes for replication in the same cell, similar regions of their genomes can pair together and exchange sequences in a process called recombination. Alternatively, viruses with segmented genomes can swap segments in a process called reassortment.
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
Poliomyelitis
Poliomyelitis is caused by poliovirus, a small, non-enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family and Enterovirus genus. Transmission occurs primarily via the fecal-oral route, often through ingestion of contaminated water or food. The virus initially replicates in the oropharynx and intestinal mucosa, particularly in lymphoid tissues such as the tonsils, Peyer’s patches, and regional lymph nodes. Primary viremia follows, allowing dissemination throughout the body.In most...
Viral Structure
Viruses are extraordinarily diverse in shape and size, but they all have several structural features in common. All viruses have a core that contains a DNA- or RNA-based genome. The core is surrounded by a protective coat of proteins called the capsid. The capsid is composed of subunits called capsomeres. The capsid and genome-containing core are together known as the nucleocapsid.

