Cytomegalovirus infection laboratory findings

There are no specific laboratory findings associated with CMV infection. Elevated ESR and a low lymphocyte count may be present in patients with complications. Diagnosis is usually done by demonstration of the inclusion bodies from the tissue biopsies or by a positive PCR for CMV DNA.

Diagnosis of CMV infection is by demonstration of intra nuclear inclusion bodies from the tissue samples and by a positive PCR for CMV. Patients with severe CMV infection may have the following laboratory findings:^[1][2]

• Hemolytic anemia
• Thrombocytopenia
• Disseminated intravascular coagulation
• Pancytopenia