Frontiers in Microbiology (Sep 2015)

Ongoing burden of disease and mortality from HIV/CMV coinfection in Africa in the antiretroviral therapy era

  • Emily eAdland,
  • Paul eKlenerman,
  • Philip eGoulder,
  • Philippa eMatthews

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2015.01016
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 6

Abstract

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Human Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a well recognised pathogen in the context of HIV infection, but since the roll out of ART, clinical and scientific interest in the problem of HIV/CMV coinfection has diminished. However, CMV remains a significant cofactor in HIV disease, with an influence on HIV acquisition, disease progression, morbidity and mortality. Disease manifestations may be a result of direct interplay between the two viruses, or may arise as a secondary consequence of immune dysregulation and systemic inflammation. The problem is most relevant when the rates of coinfection are high, most notably in sub-Saharan Africa, and in children at risk of acquiring both infections early in life. Understanding the interplay between these viruses and developing strategies to diagnose, treat and prevent CMV should be a priority.

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