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ObjectivesPrevious research has documented a consistent association between current socioeconomic status (SES) and cytomegalovirus (CMV). Early life is likely a critical period for CMV exposure and immune development, but less is known about early-life socioeconomic factors and CMV, particularly in older age populations. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study, we investigated the association between life course socioeconomic disadvantage and immune response to CMV among older adults.MethodsUsing ordered logit models, we estimated associations between several measures of socioeconomic disadvantage and the odds of being in a higher CMV Immunoglobulin G (IgG) response category in a sample of 8,168 respondents aged older than 50 years.ResultsWe found a significant association between educational attainment and CMV IgG response. Those with less than a high school education had 2.00 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.67-2.40) times the odds of being in a higher CMV category compared to those with a college degree or greater. In addition, we also observed a significant association with parental education and CMV response. Individuals with parents having 8 years or less of schooling had 2.32 (95% CI: 2.00-2.70) times the odds of higher CMV response compared to those whose parents had greater than high school education.DiscussionCMV IgG levels in older adults are associated with both early-life and adult SES. Life course socioeconomic disadvantage may contribute to disparities in immunological aging.

Original publication

DOI

10.1093/geronb/gbaa144

Type

Journal article

Journal

The journals of gerontology. Series B, Psychological sciences and social sciences

Publication Date

06/2021

Volume

76

Pages

1195 - 1205

Addresses

Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Keywords

Immune System, Humans, Cytomegalovirus, Cytomegalovirus Infections, Immunoglobulin G, Risk Factors, Social Class, Socioeconomic Factors, Aged, Educational Status, Female, Male, Health Status Disparities