Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Antibody in Male Homosexuals: A Source for CMV Immune Globulin

Abstract

Male homosexuals have been found to have an extraordinarily high prevalence, and high titers, of antibodies to cytomegalovirus (CMV), as determined by complement-fixation and passive hemagglutination tests. These findings support other data suggesting that CMV may be sexually transmitted. The high titers of CMV antibody found in this population suggest that the homosexual population may be a valuable source of plasma for preparations of CMV immune globulins. CMV immune globulins may be useful in passive immunoprophylaxis or immunotherapy in immunosuppressed patients.