Herpes Simplex Virus Infection and Risk of Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Qianqian Ji1,2, Weishan Lian3,4, Weifeng Liu3,4
1Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China, jiqq3@mail2.sysu.edu.cn.
Neuroepidemiology
|September 11, 2025
Summary
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, especially HSV-1, is linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The link between herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection and Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk is not well-established.
- Understanding this association is crucial given the high prevalence of HSV globally.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze existing observational studies on the association between HSV infection and AD risk.
- To quantify the potential increased risk of AD associated with HSV infection.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.
- Studies were identified from major databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library) up to July 31, 2024.
- Random-effects model and generic inverse variance method were used to calculate effect sizes (ORs/HRs with 95% CIs).
Main Results:
- Included 26 studies with over 1.2 million participants.
- HSV infection was associated with a 32% higher likelihood of AD in case-control studies (OR=1.32) and a 20% increased risk in cohort studies (HR=1.20).
- Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection showed a significant association with 46% higher odds of AD (OR=1.46).
Conclusions:
- This meta-analysis suggests an association between HSV infection, particularly HSV-1, and an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease.
- Findings are hypothesis-generating due to evidence heterogeneity.
- Further rigorous, biomarker-informed research is needed to establish causality and identify at-risk populations.
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