Many studies showed the existence of a positive association between cytomegalovirus (CMV) seropositivity and all-cause mortality. In this paper, we use the microcompetition model to explain how the latent CMV sequesters the limiting GABP∙p300/CBP transcription complex, which causes abnormal cellular gene expression, a chronic disease and mortality. Since most people harbour the latent CMV, we urge further research on this topic.