Cytomegalovirus Co-infection among Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Positive Patients in Bida, Niger State, Nigeria.

Abstract

In immunocompromised individuals, Cytomegalovirus (CMV) primary infection, reactivation and reinfection cause severe disease with a high case of fatality unless diagnosed and treated appropriately at an early stage. A synergistic effect may worsen the immunological profile and could potentially translate into a more rapid disease progression in HIV infection. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of cytomegalovirus co-infection, evaluate the immunological outcome and risk factors of primary CMV infection among HIV positive patients in Federal Medical Centre Bida. Blood samples was collected for CMV IgG and IgM ELISA testing of three hundred and eighty- five (385) HIV positive patients on HAART. CD4⁺ cell counts were estimated using a new model Partec Cyflow counter. Out of the three hundred and eighty-five (385) HIV positive subjects, an overall distribution of 84.2% IgG and 19.8% IgM CMV were found among patients with HIV in Bida.  CD4⁺ count <200cell/µl was a risk factor for acquiring primary CMV infection however, patients with moderate and high CD4⁺ count (>200 to 1000 cells/ µl) were susceptible and had high chances of developing reactivation of CMV infection in HIV /AIDS. There was no significant difference between CMV primary infection and CD4⁺ count (p>0.05). Previous history of blood transfusion was a risk factor for CMV infection among HIV patients in Bida.