North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam

What part of the body can HCMV be found after primary infection?

1. Only in the respiratory system

2. Only in the bloodstream

3. In saliva, breastmilk, urine, and semen

4. In skin cells only

The correct answer is: In saliva, breastmilk, urine, and semen

HCMV, or human cytomegalovirus, is a member of the herpesvirus family and is known for its ability to persist in the body after primary infection. Once a person is infected with HCMV, the virus can establish latency, which allows it to remain in the body for life. The correct response indicates that HCMV can be found in various bodily fluids such as saliva, breast milk, urine, and semen after the initial infection. This is significant because it not only demonstrates the virus's ability to reside in multiple tissues but also its potential for transmission. HCMV is commonly transmitted through close contact with infected bodily fluids, and the presence of the virus in these specific fluids plays a key role in its epidemiology, particularly in contexts such as congenital infection and transmission during breastfeeding. The other options are limited in scope and do not encompass the various ways HCMV can be present after primary infection. For example, suggesting that HCMV is exclusively in the respiratory system or bloodstream overlooks the broader distribution of the virus in other fluids and tissues. Similarly, stating it is found only in skin cells or other isolated areas misrepresents the extensive presence of the virus throughout different biological systems. Understanding these nuances is crucial for anyone