Acquisition of cytomegalovirus infection from birth to 10 years: a longitudinal serologic study.

We performed serial serologic tests for cytomegalovirus (CMV) antibody in 177 children born to low- and middle-income families in Houston from 1975 to 1983. Mean duration of participation in the study was 4.8 years (range 1 to 9.6 years). Most rapid acquisition of antibody occurred during the first and second years of life, 13.6% and 12%, respectively; thereafter, annual acquisition varied from 1.5% to 4.6%, up to 10 years. Overall, 59 (33%) of the group were known to seroconvert by age 10 years. This was a minimal figure because of loss to follow-up. Analysis by the Kaplan-Meier method indicated that the probability of remaining seronegative was 65% at age 6 years, and 58% at age 8 years. Variables positively related to seroconversion by multivariate analysis were order of birth, seroconversion in a family member, and breast-feeding. During the first year of life, acquisition of CMV antibody was related to the seroimmune status of the mother. The variables of socioeconomic status, race, age of the mother, and attendance in a day care center did not appear to be related to seroconversion in these children.