Cytomegalovirus is associated with depression and anxiety in older adults.
Infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV), a beta-herpesvirus, is common within the population. Although asymptomatic, infection is associated with increased serum concentrations of cytokines such as TNFalpha and IL-6, which are also related to mood and wellbeing. The present study examined whether infection with CMV was associated with mood in a community-based sample of older adults. Blood samples and scores on the General Health Questionnaire were available for 137 participants. Serum was analysed for the presence of CMV-specific IgG and the antibody titre was used as an indirect measure of viral load. The majority of the participants (66%) were CMV-seropositive and seropositive status was not associated with psychological morbidity. However, within the CMV-positive group, individuals with higher CMV-specific antibody titres were more likely to be depressed, anxious, and suffer more overall psychological morbidity. This association could be mediated by the impact of affect-moderating cytokines secreted through the CMV-specific immune response.
Phillips
Anna C
AC
School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK. A.C.Phillips@bham.ac.uk
Carroll
Douglas
D
Khan
Naeem
N
Moss
Paul
P
D000339:Affect; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood; D001007:Anxiety / Q000821:virology*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003587:Cytomegalovirus / Q000276:immunology; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology / Q000523:psychology*; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology / Q000821:virology*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012698:Serologic Tests; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000914:Antibodies, Viral