Plasma cytomegalovirus DNA, pp65 antigenaemia and a low CD4 cell count remain risk factors for cytomegalovirus disease in patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy

Abstract

CMV blood markers and CD4 count < 75 x 10(6) cells/l remain risk factors for CMV disease in patients receiving HAART. Analysis of plasma CMV DNA by the polymerase chain reaction is a reproducible and standardized tool that could be used as a decision marker for initiating CMV pre-emptive therapy.