Cytomegalovirus infection in HIV-1-infected individuals

Urinary excretion of Cytomegalovirus and the presence of serum antibodies against CMV were examined in 79 HIV-1-infected patients at different stages of the disease, as well as in 27 heterosexual and 52 male homosexual controls and correlated to clinical and laboratory results. HIV-1-infected and healthy individuals differed significantly with regard to cutaneous delayed type reactions, absolute numbers of CD4+ cells and CD4+/CD8+ ratios. IgG antibodies against CMV were found in 87% of homosexual and in 52% of heterosexual controls, and in all HIV-1-infected homosexuals. CMV excretion in the urine was exclusively found in HIV-1-infected individuals where the incidence correlated with the CDC-defined disease stage (stage II: 6%, stage III/IV A: 22%, stage IV B/C: 55%). HIV-1-infected patients excreting CMV in the urine also exhibited distinctly decreased numbers of CD4+ cells and significantly decreased CD4+/CD8+ ratios compared to those without CMV viruria.