Proliferative responses to human cytomegalovirus in lymphocyte cultures of male homosexuals.
29 healthy adults and 32 male homosexuals were investigated for their humoral and cellular immunity against human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). In contrast to 30% of the controls, all homosexuals had HCMV serum antibodies. In addition, 84% of the homosexuals reacted positively in HCMV induced in vitro lymphocyte proliferation as compared to 66% of the controls. The study group also showed significantly higher mean reactivities in the lymphoproliferative response towards HCMV. In the group of homosexuals, a correlation could be established between the humoral and cellular immune reactivity to HCMV.
D000328:Adult; D003587:Cytomegalovirus / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006716:Homosexuality; D006801:Humans; D008206:Lymphatic Diseases / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008297:Male