Cytomegalovirus co-infection in patients with human immunodeficiency virus in Iran

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Virology
• Public Health

Background:

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection compromises the immune system, increasing susceptibility to opportunistic infections.
• Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that can cause severe complications in immunocompromised individuals, particularly those with HIV.
• Understanding CMV seroprevalence in HIV-positive populations is crucial for developing targeted prevention and management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the seroprevalence of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection among HIV-positive patients in Iran.
• To identify risk factors associated with CMV infection in this population.
• To assess the relationship between CMV prevalence and demographic/clinical factors such as socioeconomic status, education level, and CD4 count.

Main Methods:

• Serum samples were collected from 201 HIV-positive patients between March 2004 and March 2005.
• Conventional Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kits were used to detect CMV antibodies.
• An antibody level greater than 1.1 IU/ml was considered positive for CMV infection.

Main Results:

• The overall seroprevalence of CMV infection among Iranian HIV-positive patients was found to be 94%.
• Higher CMV prevalence was observed in patients engaging in unsafe sexual practices and those who inject drugs (IDUs).
• CMV infection rates were significantly higher in individuals with lower socioeconomic status, lower educational attainment, and CD4 counts below 100 cells/µL.

Conclusions:

• A significantly high prevalence of CMV infection exists among HIV-positive patients in Iran.
• Lower socioeconomic status, reduced education levels, and specific risk behaviors are associated with increased CMV prevalence in this cohort.
• Interventions aimed at improving education and socioeconomic conditions may help reduce CMV infection rates in HIV-positive individuals.