Human cytomegalovirus immune globulin

Cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin is obtained from pooled adult human plasma selected for high titers of antibody for cytomegalovirus (CMV). It contains purified immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies targeting cytomegalovirus (CMV).

Cytomegalovirus, a member of the herpes virus family, is ubiquitous the human population, leading to infections which are followed by life-long dormancy in the host with occasional reactivations and recurrent infections. The seroprevalence of antibodies in adults ranges from 40-100 % with an inverse correlation to socioeconomic status. The transmission of cytomegalovirus infection requires intimate contact with infected excretions such as saliva, urine, cervical and vaginal excretions, semen, breast milk and blood .

CMV infection can lead to a high fever and severe organ-specific damage with significant morbidity and mortality rates. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) may lead to a wide spectrum of infection in immunocompetent hosts. Sites most often involved include the lung (severe community-acquired viral pneumonia), liver (transaminitis), spleen (splenomegaly), GI tract (colitis), CNS (encephalitis), the hematologic system (cytopenias), and multisystem involvement .

During the span of an individual's life, the virus may reactivate, resulting in repeated shedding and spread of the virus. Molecular mechanisms have been identified by which show that CMVs interfere with the host immune system. Finally, however, the infection is normally controlled by the host's immune response. As a consequence, CMV disease is restricted to the immunocompromised or immunologically immature host, in which it can lead the devastating result of transplant rejection , .

It is used to prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease after organ transplant .

Cytomegalovirus Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human) is indicated for the prophylaxis of cytomegalovirus disease associated with transplantation of kidney, lung, liver, pancreas, and heart .

In transplants of these organs other than the kidney from CMV seropositive donors into seronegative recipients, prophylactic CMV-IGIV should be considered in combination with ganciclovir .