Chronic CMV infection in older women: Longitudinal comparisons of CMV DNA in peripheral monocytes, anti-CMV IgG titers, serum IL-6 levels, and CMV pp65 (NLV)-specific CD8 super(+) T-cell frequencies with twelve year follow-up

• Published in: Experimental gerontology 2014-06, Vol.54, p.84-89
• Main Authors: Li, Huifen, Weng, Peter, Najarro, Kevin, Xue, Qian-Li, Semba, Richard D, Margolick, Joseph B, Leng, Sean X
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cytomegalovirus
• ISSN: 0531-5565
• DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2014.01.010

Chronic cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection may contribute significantly to T-cell immunosenescence, chronic inflammation, and adverse health outcomes in older adults. Recent studies suggest detectable CMV DNA in peripheral monocytes as a better indicator for this persistent viral infection than anti-CMV IgG serology. Here, we conducted longitudinal comparisons of anti-CMV IgG titers, CMV DNA in the peripheral monocytes, serum IL-6 levels, and CMV pp65 (NLV)-specific CD8 super(+) T-cell frequencies in fifteen community-dwelling older women with twelve year follow-up. The results showed that anti-CMV IgG titers did not change over twelve years. Women with detectable CMV DNA had significantly higher IL-6 levels than those without, both at baseline (3.06 plus or minus 0.58 vs 1.19 plus or minus 0.37 pg/ml, respectively, p < .001) and at the follow-up (3.23 plus or minus 0.66 versus 0.98 plus or minus 0.37 pg/ml, respectively, p < .001). In addition, CMV pp65 (NLV)-specific CD8 super(+) T cells were detected only in women who had CMV DNA with similar frequencies at both time points. These findings indicate that anti-CMV IgG serology is neither sensitive to change nor useful for monitoring chronic CMV infection over time. They also provide a basis for further investigation into chronic CMV infection as defined by detectable CMV DNA in the peripheral monocytes and its impact on immunity and health in the elderly.