Associations of cytomegalovirus with depression, anxiety, well-being, and pain among the LGBTQIA+ population in India: a crosssectional study.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the associations between cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and mental health among the LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, plus) population in India.

METHODS

Members of the LGBTQIA+ community with no history of organ transplantation, immunocompromising conditions, or active infections were recruited from healthcare and community organisations in West Bengal and Delhi National Capital Region, India, using purposive sampling. The presence and severity of depression and anxiety symptoms were evaluated using the 21-item Beck Depression Inventory and 21-item Beck Anxiety Inventory, respectively. Psychological distress and well-being were assessed using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire. Pain perception was rated using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale. Blood samples were collected for detection of CMV-specific IgG and IgM antibodies.

RESULTS

In total, 180 individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community aged 22 to 56 (mean, 37) years were included in the analysis. CMV IgM antibody titres were correlated with depression (r = 0.527, p < 0.001), anxiety (r = 0.503, p < 0.001), pain (r = 0.275, p < 0.001), and general health (r = -0.445, p < 0.001). Similarly, CMV IgG antibody titres were correlated with depression (r = 0.368, p < 0.001), anxiety (r = 0.415, p < 0.001), pain (r = 0.359, p < 0.001), and general health (r = -0.359, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

CMV antibody titres are associated with depression, anxiety, well-being, and pain and may play a role in mental health issues in the LGBTQIA+ population.