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+ T-cell frequencies with twelve year follow-up

Chronic cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection may contribute significantly to T-cell immunosenescence, chronic inflammation, and adverse health outcomes in older adults. Recent studies suggest detectable CMVDNA 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(+) 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 +/- 0.58 vs 1.19 +/- 0.37 pg/ml, respectively, p <.001) and at the follow-up (3.23 +/- 0.66 versus 0.98 +/- 0.37 pg/ml, respectively, p <.001). In addition, CMV pp65 (NLV)-specific CD8+ 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. (c) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.