Cytomegalovirus infection associated with smaller cerebellum in severe mental illness

Introduction Postnatal cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection of immunocompetent hosts is usually inapparent but typically results in lifelong latency. Congenital CMV infections as well patients with immunodeficiencies have been linked to major cerebellar pathology. Patients severe mental illness repeatedly found smaller cerebellum, and they may be particularly susceptible infections. Finally, both animal human studies shown a differential male female immune response CMV. Objectives We evaluated whole grey matter volumes (CGMV) immunoglobulin G (IgG) seropositive (CMV+) seronegative (CMV-) healthy controls (HC). hypothesized that seropositivity, reflecting previous current latency, associated CGMV not HC, such putative association sex-dependent. Methods included 529 adult (CMV+ 57%, women 48%), i.e., 324 schizophrenia spectrum disorders 205 bipolar disorders, 494 HC 56%, 45%). MRI scans were obtained 1.5T Siemens scanner (n=596) two 3.0T General Electric scanners (n=427), processed FreeSurfer v6.0. Circulating IgG concentrations measured immunoassays. In age-, scanner- estimated total intracranial volume-adjusted analyses covariance (ANCOVAs), we investigated main interaction effects status sex on HC. Results CMV+ had than CMV- (p=0.042). There was no difference between (p=0.858). The adjusted means 115078 mm 3 116725 , respectively (p=0.042); the 117980 117840 (p=0.858) (Image). Among patients, trend towards CMV-by-sex (p=0.073) found. Post-hoc showed significant CMV-CGMV patient group (p=0.005), among (p=0.840). Image: Conclusions seropositivity cerebellum illness, an effect driven by This indicate CMV-related deleterious impact restricted patients. Disclosure Interest None Declared