Sexual Factors Associated With Cytomegalovirus Seropositivity in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Men

Background: Many people infected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquire severe cytomegalovirus (CMV) diseases. Factors associated with CMV seropositivity are poorly documented in sexually active HIV-infected men. Goal: To study CMV seroprevalence in HIV-infected men according to sexual behavior before the diagnosis of HIV seropositivity. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. CMV seroprevalence was studied at enrollment in a prospective cohort of homosexual and heterosexual men infected by HIV through sexual contact. Results: In the study population (n = 723), age, sexual preference, previous lifetime history of sexually transmitted diseases, and multiple sexual partners were independently related to CMV seropositivity. Furthermore, routine condom use during the 6 months before diagnosis of HIV seropositivity was significantly related to CMV seropositivity (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 0.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.1-1.0), occasional condom use being of borderline significance [adjusted OR: 0.5, CI: 0.2-1.3]. Conclusions: This 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.