# Seroepidemiology and Reactivation Rates of Cytomegalovirus in HIV-Positive Patients in Istanbul: A Retrospective Analysis

## TL;DR

This study found that most HIV-positive patients in Istanbul have CMV, with higher reactivation rates in older individuals and those with weakened immune systems.

## Contribution

The study provides updated seroprevalence and reactivation data for CMV in HIV-positive patients in Istanbul.

## Key findings

- 97.3% of HIV-positive patients were CMV IgG positive, indicating high seroprevalence.
- 30.3% of patients had detectable CMV DNA, showing significant reactivation rates.
- CMV reactivation was more common in older patients and those with lower CD4+ T cell counts.

## Abstract

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) remains a major opportunistic pathogen in individuals with HIV. The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence and reactivation rates of CMV among HIV-positive individuals. A total of 300 people with HIV presenting to the Istanbul Faculty of Medicine were enrolled. Serological assessments were performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while molecular analyses were conducted through PCR-based methods. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were also evaluated. Of the participants, 90% were male, with an age range of 18–76 years. Serological testing demonstrated CMV IgG positivity in 292 patients (97.3%) and CMV IgM positivity in 11 patients (4.07%). CMV DNA was detected in 91 patients (30.3%) by molecular assays, with viral loads ranging from <150 to 2,404,678 copies/mL. CMV DNA positivity was significantly more frequent in older patients (p < 0.05) and was associated with lower CD4+ T lymphocyte counts. CMV disease was identified in 50 patients (16.7%), with organ involvement (64%) representing the most common clinical manifestation. CMV seropositivity is remarkably high in HIV-positive individuals, and reactivation rates are increased, particularly in older patients and those with advanced immunosuppression. These findings underscore the clinical relevance of routine CMV surveillance in the management of HIV infection.