Impaired functioning in euthymic patients with bipolar disorder--HSV-1 as a predictor

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Infectious agents are potentially linked to psychiatric disorders.
• Previous US studies indicated cognitive impairment correlated with Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To replicate previous findings in a European population.
• To analyze the correlation between HSV-1 infection and cognitive function in individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Main Methods:

• Antibody prevalence analyzed using solid phase immunoassay.
• Cognitive functioning assessed with RBANS Form A, Trail Making Test A&B, and WAIS III subtests.
• Psychopathology, social functioning, and quality of life evaluated using structured interviews and validated scales.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in antibody prevalence against diverse infectious agents between patients and controls.
• A significant correlation found between cognitive impairment in bipolar disorder patients and HSV-1 antibody prevalence.
• Impaired cognitive functions included language, attention, and immediate memory.

Conclusions:

• Results confirm previous findings that HSV-1 affects cognitive functions in bipolar disorder patients.
• HSV-1 infection may contribute to impaired functioning, reduced quality of life, and social difficulties in this population.