Cytomegalovirus co-infection in patients with human immunodeficiency virus in Iran.

Serum samples from 201 HIV positive patients were collected to determine the seroprevalence of CMV infection in Iranian HIV infected patients during March 2004 until March 2005 using conventional ELISA kits. An antibody level of >1.1 Iu/ml was considered positive. The seroprevalence of CMV infection was 94%.The maximum prevalence of CMV antibody was seen in patients with unsafe sex and IDUs. Prevalence of CMV was much higher in patients with low socioeconomic status and low level of education. 83% of patients with CD4<100 were CMV seropositive. Our study showed that a significantly high prevalence of CMV in HIV positive patients in Iran. By increasing the level of education and socioeconomic status the prevalence of CMV infection decreased.