Diagnostic aspects of the cytomegalovirus mononucleosis syndrome in previously healthy persons.

The mononucleosis-like syndrome due to cytomegalovirus (CMV) has many clinical features in common with classic Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) induced infectious mononucleosis (IM). The hematologic and hepatic findings in both diseases are identical. Diagnosis of the CMV-IM syndrome usually can be made on the basis of indirect immunofluorescence for CMV macroglobulins (CMV-IgM). EBV virologic tests may also be necessary, as patients with primary EBV infections may have cross-reactions at low titer in the CMV-IgM test.