title: Seroprevalence of cytomegalovirus, Toxoplasma gondii, syphilis, and hepatitis B and C virus infections in a regional population seropositive for HIV infection.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the prevalence of exposure to cytomegalovirus (CMV), Toxoplasma gondii, syphilis, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in a large, well characterized, regional population presenting for human immunodeficency virus (HIV) care.
  
  
  METHODS
  Demographic and serological data compiled prospectively in a relational database used for routine patient care. Results were analyzed for statistically significant trends within demographic subpopulations known to be at risk of such infections.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 1274 persons with documented HIV infection in southern Alberta have sought medical care since 1985. Serological status to CMV, T gondii, syphilis, HBV and HCV infections were routinely requested as part of the initial assessment. All patients with serological results available were included in the analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  CMV infection was found in 84.1% of patients. A lower prevalence of CMV infection in those under 30 yeasr old (P<0.001), intravenous drug users (IVDUs) (P=0.001) and in patients with transfusion-acquired HIV (P<0.001) was seen. T gondii seropositivity was found in 10.6% of patients, with an increased risk of seropositivity in those born outside of Canada (P<0.001). Syphilis seropositivity was present in 5.1% of patients, with a higher prevalence in gay males (P=0.1). HBV carrier status was noted in 8.0% of patients, with males having an increased risk (P=0.025). Since 1990, there has been a 17.6% prevalence of HCV, predominantly in IVDUs (P<0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Seroprevalence to common pathogens in HIV disease varies significantly among subpopulations, necessitating individual testing.
authors.affiliation: Southern Alberta HIV Clinic, Calgary, Alberta;
authors.forename: D G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Johns
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Gill