Association between human cytomegalovirus antibody levels, and essential hypertension and functional status in elderly Koreans

Aim: To evaluate the relationship between human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) antibody status, and hypertension and functional status among elderly Koreans. Methods: Patients aged ≥65 years were prospectively enrolled from March 2011 to February 2012 at a 2000-bed university hospital. We collected data including CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocyte count, and functional status by measuring basic activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living for all patients. In addition, HCMV immunoglobulinG levels were analyzed using enzyme-linked fluorescent assay. Results: During the study period, 103 patients (51 men), who were admitted for treatment of infections or other diseases, were enrolled. Multivariate analysis showed that body mass index and HCMV immunoglobulinG antibody titers were independent factors associated with hypertension in elderly patients (OR 1.347, 95% CI 1.113-1.630, P=0.002; OR 1.023, 95% CI 1.001-1.047, P=0.042, respectively). In univariate linear correlations, HCMV antibody levels were positively correlated with systolic blood pressure levels (r=0.303, P=0.002), CD8+ T-lymphocyte count (r=0.313, P=0.001) and instrumental activities of daily living scores (r=0.217, P=0.028). In addition, HCMV immunoglobulinG titers were inversely associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (r=-0.268, P=0.006). These four variables remained independently significant in multivariate correlation analysis. Conclusion: These findings could provide insight into the important role of HCMV in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension and decreased functional status in the elderly. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 21-27.