Low CD4 Counts and Early Sexual Debut Predict Genital Cytomegalovirus Infection among HIV Infected Women in Mwanza, Tanzania

Abstract

Objective: Here we report the prevalence and predictors of genital CMV infection among HIV infected women in Mwanza, Tanzania. Methods: A total of 255 HIV seropositive women were investigated between August and October, 2014. Demographic and clinical data were collected using standardized data collection tool. Exfoliated cells from endocervix were obtained and detection of CMV DNA was done using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR). Results: A total number of 255 HIV infected women were enrolled with the mean age of 39.2 ± 9.1.The overall prevalence of genital CMV among HIV infected women was 43(16.7%, 95% CI: 12-21). Inflammatory changes and dysplasia did not show any association with genital CMV infection (p>0.05). Only good socio-economic status (OR=2.36, 95% CI; 1.1-5.02, p=.0.027), young age at first sexual intercourse (OR=2.18, 95% CI; 1.04-4.62, p=0.04) and lower CD4+ counts (OR=2.07, 95% CI; 1.23-3.48, p=.0.027) were found to be independent predictors of genital CMV infection among HIV infected women. Conclusion: A significant proportion of HIV infected women are genitally infected with CMV in the genital tract. More studies to ascertain the clinical role of this virus in the female genital tract are recommended especially in HIV infected women.