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Hepatitis C virus antibody titers associated with cognitive dysfunction in an asymptomatic community-based sample
Ibtihal Ibrahim1, Hala Salah1, Hanan El Sayed1
1b Department of Psychiatry , Mansoura University School of Medicine , Mansoura , Egypt.
Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology
|June 9, 2016
Summary
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is linked to cognitive decline in community samples. This study found higher HCV antibody titers correlated with poorer cognitive performance, independent of other factors.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is linked to cognitive dysfunction in clinical studies.
- Potential confounding factors include antiviral treatments, substance abuse, and co-infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess cognitive function in relation to HCV antibody titers within a community sample.
- To investigate asymptomatic individuals with low risk for substance abuse.
Main Methods:
- A community-based sample (n=258) in an HCV-endemic area of Egypt.
- Cognitive performance assessed using the Arabic Penn Computerized Neurocognitive Battery.
- Serological assays for HCV and Toxoplasma gondii (TOX) antibodies; substance abuse and psychopathology evaluated.
Main Results:
- HCV prevalence was 17.6%; TOX prevalence was 52.9%.
- Higher HCV antibody titers significantly correlated with impaired cognitive accuracy and speed (p < .05).
- TOX antibody titers showed a weaker association with cognitive accuracy.
Conclusions:
- The association between HCV antibody titers and cognitive impairment is not explained by antiviral treatment or substance abuse in this cohort.
- Further research is warranted to explore a potential causal role of HCV in cognitive dysfunction.
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