Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection can be diagnosed by which of the following serological tests?

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is typically diagnosed through serological tests that assess the presence of specific antibodies in the patient's serum. The combination of IgM and IgG antibody tests is particularly useful in diagnosing CMV, as each antibody plays a significant role in understanding the infection status.

IgM antibodies are produced in response to a recent infection, serving as markers for acute infection. The presence of IgM antibodies can indicate a current or recent CMV infection. On the other hand, IgG antibodies develop in the later stages of infection and can indicate past exposure or infection. Testing for both IgM and IgG antibodies provides a more comprehensive view of the patient's immune response to CMV.

This dual testing approach enables healthcare providers to ascertain not only if a person has been recently infected but also if they have immunity based on past exposure. The presence of IgG along with IgM may even suggest a reactivation of a latent infection, which is particularly relevant in immunocompromised patients.

Other testing methods, such as RNA PCR, can provide direct evidence of the virus's presence by detecting viral RNA and are often used in specific clinical situations, especially in severe or immunocompromised cases. Western blot tests, though highly specific,