HCMV is found in all geographic locations and all socioeconomic groups, and infects between 60% and 70% of adults in the first world and almost 100% in the third world.[13] Of all herpes viruses, HCMV harbors the most genes dedicated to altering (evading) innate and adaptive host immunity and represents a lifelong burden of antigenic T cell surveillance and immune dysfunction.[14] Commonly it is indicated by the presence of antibodies in the general population.[3]Seroprevalence is age-dependent: 58.9% of individuals aged 6 and older are infected with CMV while 90.8% of individuals aged 80 and older are positive for HCMV.[15] HCMV is also the virus most frequently transmitted to a developing fetus.[16] HCMV infection is more widespread in developing countries and in communities with lower socioeconomic status and represents the most significant viral cause of birth defects in industrialized countries. Congenital HCMV is the leading infectious cause of deafness, learning disabilities, and intellectual disability in children.[17]
CMV also "seems to have a large impact on immune parameters in later life and may contribute to increased morbidity and eventual mortality."[18]
^ abcRyan KJ, Ray CG, eds. (2004). Sherris Medical Microbiology (4th ed.). McGraw Hill. pp. 556, 566–9. ISBN978-0-8385-8529-0.
^ abKoichi Yamanishi; Arvin, Ann M.; Gabriella Campadelli-Fiume; Edward Mocarski; Moore, Patrick; Roizman, Bernard; Whitley, Richard (2007). Human herpesviruses: biology, therapy, and immunoprophylaxis. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. ISBN978-0-521-82714-0.
^Melnick M, Sedghizadeh PP, Allen CM, Jaskoll T (10 November 2011). "Human cytomegalovirus and mucoepidermoid carcinoma of salivary glands: cell-specific localization of active viral and oncogenic signaling proteins is confirmatory of a causal relationship". Experimental and Molecular Pathology. 92 (1): 118–25. doi:10.1016/j.yexmp.2011.10.011. PMID22101257.
^Geder L, Sanford EJ, Rohner TJ, Rapp F (1977). "Cytomegalovirus and cancer of the prostate: in vitro transformation of human cells". Cancer Treat Rep. 61 (2): 139–46. PMID68820.