SEXUAL FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH CYTOMEGALOVIRUS SEROPOSITIVITY IN HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS-INFECTED MEN

Background: Many people infected bg human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquire severe cytomegalovirus (CMV) diseases. Factors associated wit h CMV seropositivity are poorly documented in sexually active HIV-infe cted men. Goal: To study CMV seroprevalence in HIV-infected men accord ing to sexual behavior before the diagnosis of HIV seropositivity. Stu dy Design: Cross-sectional study. CMV seroprevalence was studied at en rollment in a prospective cohort of homosexual and heterosexual men in fected by HIV through sexual contact. Results: In the study population (n = 723), age, sexual preference, previous lifetime history of sexua lly transmitted diseases, and multiple sexual partners were independen tly related to CMV seropositivity. Furthermore, routine condom use dur ing the fi months before diagnosis of HIV seropositivity was significa ntly related to CMV seropositivity; (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 0.4, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.1-1.0), occasional condom use being of b orderline significance [adjusted OR: 0.5, CI: 0.2-1.3]. Conclusions: T his study confirms the importance of sexual factors in the acquisition of CMV infection by HIV-infected men and suggests a protective effect of condom use.