Human immunodeficiency virus DNA in urethral secretions in men: association with gonococcal urethritis and CD4 cell depletion

J Infect Dis. 1995 Dec;172(6):1469-74. doi: 10.1093/infdis/172.6.1469.

Abstract

To evaluate the prevalence and correlates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected cells in urethral secretions, samples were collected from 106 HIV-seropositive men with and without urethritis. HIV DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction in 27% of 184 urethral specimens and was associated with CD4 cell depletion (P for trend, .03) and with urethritis (odds ratio [OR], 2.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-4.6) or gonorrhea (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.5-5.8). Two multivariate models were constructed that included age, CD4 cell count < 200/mm3, and either urethritis or gonococcal infection. Detection of HIV-infected cells in urethral secretions was independently associated with < 200 CD4 cells/mm3 (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 0.9-5.2; P = .05) and urethritis (OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.3-5.3; P = .003) in the first model and with gonococcal infection (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.6-6.4; P < .001) in the second model. Successful treatment of gonococcal urethritis was associated with a 2-fold reduction in urethral HIV DNA (44% vs. 21%; P = .02). Thus, treatment of gonococcal urethritis may be an effective strategy for reducing HIV transmission.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Base Sequence
  • CD4 Lymphocyte Count
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / physiology*
  • DNA, Viral / analysis*
  • Gonorrhea / virology*
  • HIV / genetics
  • HIV / isolation & purification*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Urethra / virology*
  • Urethritis / virology*

Substances

  • DNA, Viral