Association between cytomegalovirus seroconversion and upper genital tract infection among women attending a sexually transmitted disease clinic: A prospective study

Abstract

To study relationships between acquisition of cytomegalovirus (CMV), sexual activity, and sexually transmitted diseases, 245 CMV-seronegative women were followed (median, 23 months) in a sexually transmitted disease clinic between 1980 and 1988. Thirty-six (15%) seroconverted (10%-12%/year). At entry, seroconverters were younger (P = .03), were younger at sexual debut (P = .004), and had more sex partners (P = .004) than non-seroconverters. During follow-up, seroconverters had more sex partners, had more new sex partners (P = .05 for each), and were more likely to have gonorrhea, chlamydia, or pelvic inflammatory disease. At seroconversion, Chlamydia trachomatis was isolated from cervix in 14%, versus 3% of non-seroconverters (odds ratio [OR], 4.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3-14.9). Signs of upper genital tract infection were present in 8% of seroconverters versus 2% of non-seroconverters (OR, 4.7; 95% CI, 1.0-21.8). Acquisition of CMV in these women was associated with sexual activity, sexually transmitted diseases, and signs of upper genital tract infection.