Premium
Seroepidemiologic studies on the acquisition of antibodies to cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, and human immunodeficiency virus among general hospital patients and those attending a clinic for sexually transmitted diseases
Author(s) -
Berry N. J.,
Burns D. MacDonald,
Wannamethee G.,
Grundy J. E.,
Lui S. F.,
Prentice H. G.,
Griffiths P. D.
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
journal of medical virology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1096-9071
pISSN - 0146-6615
DOI - 10.1002/jmv.1890240405
Subject(s) - cytomegalovirus , antibody , virology , herpes simplex virus , medicine , immunology , virus , betaherpesvirinae , herpesviridae , viral disease
Abstract A total of 731 sera were collected from general hospital patients, divided into five distinct subgroups, and tested for the presence of immunoglobulin (IgG) to cytomegalovirus (CMV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV). The results indicate a high level of association between the two viruses, although HSV was found to be more prevalent in the earlier years of life, whereas CMV was acquired constantly throughout life. An increase in age was also accompanied by significantly higher antibody levels to both viruses. Individuals with antibody to HSV were significantly more likely to have antibodies to CMV, suggesting that these viruses are transmitted by similar routes (?saliva). In addition, 430 sera from 94 homosexual and 336 heterosexual males attending a clinic for sexually transmitted diseases were tested for antibody to CMV, HSV, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Homosexual males were more likely to have antibody to CMV and HIV than were heterosexuals, but no difference was seen for HSV antibodies. The levels of CMV‐specific IgG were significantly raised in homosexuals, compared with heterosexuals, but again no difference was seen for HSV antibodies as in the general hospital patients, however, individuals with HSV antibodies were significantly more likeoy to possess antibodies of CMV. However, the additional association of CMV antibodies with a homosexual lifestyle suggests that an alternative route for acquisitionof this virus exists (?semen). As raised levels of CMV antibodies, but not HSV antibodies, were found among homosexuals, this suggests that frequent CMV reinfections, rather than merely reactivation of latent herpes viruses, may be occurring.