The relationship between T-cell levels and CMV infection in asymptomatic HIV-1 antibody-positive homosexual men.
To investigate the relationship between cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and progression of HIV-1 disease, a group of 234 asymptomatic, HIV-1 antibody-positive homosexual men were examined for CMV isolation and levels of CMV IgM antibodies, CMV IgG antibodies, and CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocytes. CMV IgG antibodies were present in 100% and CMV IgM antibodies in 22% of the men. CMV was isolated from the semen of 45% of the men. No relationship was observed between CMV IgM antibodies and CMV in semen or CD4+ levels. CD4+ cell levels were significantly lower in those from whose semen CMV was isolated. In addition, an inverse relationship was observed between the concentration of CMV in semen and CD4+ levels. We postulate that the seminal tract may be a reservoir for systemic CMV infection in HIV-infected homosexual men. Reinfection from this or other sources may result in recurrent stimulation of HIV-1 replication and lead to a further decline in CD4+ cells. Clarification of whether persistent CMV infection is secondary to HIV-1-induced immunodeficiency or, conversely, promotes a more rapid decline in immunocompetency will require follow-up studies.
Leach
C T
CT
UCLA School of Public Health.
Cherry
J D
JD
English
P A
PA
Hennessey
K
K
Giorgi
J V
JV
Visscher
B R
BR
Dudley
J P
JP
Detels
R
R
D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D016516:CD4-CD8 Ratio; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology*; D015483:HIV Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology*; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology*; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000276:immunology*; D006716:Homosexuality; D006801:Humans; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000276:immunology; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D015483:HIV Antibodies; D007075:Immunoglobulin M