The Effect of Perceived Stress on Epstein-Barr Virus Antibody Titers in Appalachian Ohio Women

Abstract

Objective: The Appalachian population suffers a disparate burden of chronic stress leading to high perceived stress. The study aim was to determine the association between perceived stress and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibody titers, along with the impact of perceived social support, Appalachian self-identify, and health behaviors. Methods: Serum EBV VCA-IgG antibody titer levels from 169 female Appalachian residents (aged 18-26 years) were examined. Perceived stress, perceived social support, Appalachian self-identity, and health behaviors were assessed via self-administered questionnaires. Results: There were 169 of 185 women positive for EBV. Among these women, the median EBV antibody titer level was 404 U/mL (range 101-6,464), and the overall geometric mean was 563.2 (95% CI 486.6-651.9). For a 1-point increase in perceived stress, the EBV antibody titer increased by 1.92% (95% CI 0.04-3.76%). For every point increase in perceived social support, the EBV antibody titer decreased by 1.00% (95% CI 0.06-1.98%). Perceived stress was significantly associated with sleep quality, BMI, and current smoking status, but not with binge-drinking, drug use, or Appalachian self-identity. No mediating effects of sleep quality, BMI, binge-drinking, current drug use, or >4 sexual partners were observed in the relationship between perceived stress and EBV titer level. Conclusion: Young Appalachian women reported high levels of perceived stress that were significantly associated with higher EBV titers. Higher perceived social support was associated with lower EBV titers. Health behaviors and Appalachian self-identity did not impact the relationship between perceived stress and EBV titers.

The Impact of Everyday Stressors on the Immune System and Health

“…For instance, higher self-reported health was associated with lower reactivation of latent herpesviruses and inflammation (Murdock et al 2016). Meanwhile, increased antibody titers against EBV viral capsid antigen (VCA) have been observed in the context of depression (Bennett et al 2012), perceived stress (Brook et al 2017), childhood adversity (Fagundes et al 2013a), bereavement or divorce (Derry et al 2012), exam stress (Matalka et al 2000), attachment anxiety (Fagundes et al 2014), and perceived discrimination (Christian et al 2012). Together, these human and animal studies show that stress can modulate the steady-state expression of latent herpesviruses, downregulating specific T-cell responses to the virus to an extent that is sufficient to result in viral activation.…”

A systematic review of the impact of psychosocial factors on immunity: Implications for enhancing BCG response against tuberculosis

“…19 studies explored the relationship between psychosocial factors and immune response to herpesviruses (Benschop, Jabaaij, Oostveen, Vingerhoets, & Ballieux, 1998; Brook, Christian, Hade, & Ruffin, 2017; Christian, Iams, Porter, & Glaser, 2012; Dowd, Palermo, Chyu, Adam, & McDade, 2014; Esterling, Antoni, Kumar, & Schneiderman, 1993; Floyd, Hesse, Boren, & Veksler, 2014; Garcia-Linares, Sanchez-Lorente, Coe, & Martinez, 2004; Horn, Turkheimer, & Strachan, 2015; Hsu et al, 2016; Janicki-Deverts, Cohen, Doyle, Marsland, & Bosch, 2014; Kemeny, Cohen, Zegans, & Conant, 1989; Kiecolt-Glaser et al, 1987a; Panter-Brick, Eggerman, Mojadidi, & McDade, 2008; Phillips, Carroll, Khan, & Moss, 2008; Rector et al, 2014; Sanchez-Lorente, Blasco-Ros, Coe, & Martinez, 2010; Shirtcliff, Coe, & Pollak, 2009; Slopen, McLaughlin, Dunn, & Koenen, 2013). Findings are summarised in Fig.…”

Stress-Induced Epstein-Barr Virus Reactivation

“…Perceived stress was assessed by questionnaire. A one point increase in perceived stress correlated with a 1.92% increase in the EBV antibody titer, while a one point increase in perceived social support correlated with a 1.00% decrease in the EBV antibody titer [ 172 ]. A similar study assessed how family social and economic instability between 0 and 5 years of age affected EBV viral DNA secretion as an adolescent.…”