INCIDENCE AND SEXUAL RISK-FACTORS OF CYTOMEGALOVIRUS SEROCONVERSION IN HIV-INFECTED SUBJECTS

Background: Data on incidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) seroconversion in HIV-infected (HIV(+)) subjects was sparse. Goal: To determine the i ncidence of CMV seroconversion in sexually active HIV(+) subjects and sexual factors associated with CMV seroconversion. Study design: One h undred eighty four persons not infected by CMV at enrollment in a coho rt of HIV(+) persons were studied. A case-control study within the coh ort was conducted to determine the effect of sexual behavior in the 6 months prior to CMV seroconversion. Thirty seven cases of CMV seroconv ersion were compared with 136 controls. Results: The overall incidence of CMV seroconversion was 9.18 per 100 person-years (95% confidence i nterval (CI), 6.67-12.28) and was particularly high among homosexual m en. After adjustment for age, socio-professional category, sexual orie ntation, and casual sex, the risk of CMV seroconversion was higher in subjects who never used condoms than in those who used them systematic ally (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 3.37; 95% CI, 1.05-11.00). Conclusions: In addition to the need to protect their sexual partners from HIV inf ection, HIV(+) subjects free of CMV infection should use condoms to av oid CMV infection and its complications.