Cytomegalovirus infection associated with smaller dentate gyrus in men with severe mental illness

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is usually inapparent in healthy adults but persists for life. Neural progenitor/stem cells are main CMV targets, and dentate gyrus (DG) a major neurogenic niche. Smaller DG volume has been repeatedly reported severe mental illness (SMI). Considering the suggested immune system, blood–brain barrier disturbances SMI, we hypothesized that exposure associated with smaller patients, not controls (HC). Due to differential male female response CMV, sex-dependent associations. 381 adult patients SMI (schizophrenia spectrum or bipolar disorders) 396 HC were included. MRI scans obtained 1.5T Siemens MAGNETOM Sonata scanner 3T General Electric Signa HDxt scanner, processed FreeSurfer v6.0. immunoglobulin G antibody concentrations measured by solid phase immunoassay. We investigated interaction effects of status (antibody positivity/CMV + vs. negativity/CMV-) sex on HC. Among there was significant CMV-by-sex (p = 0.009); had significantly than CMV- 0.001, 39 mm3 difference) whereas no CMV-DG association found patients. Post-hoc analysis among showed present both hemispheres schizophrenia disorders, further, higher titers DG. No The results indicate vulnerability men SMI.