Genome-wide association study identifies inverse association between HSV-1 DNA and Alzheimer's disease risk.

This genome-wide association study utilized whole-genome sequencing data from the Alzheimer's Disease Sequencing Project. The population included persons with Alzheimer's disease and controls. Brain samples comprised 2,203 AD cases and 616 controls, while blood samples included 8,908 AD cases and 15,768 controls. No specific study phase was reported. Publication type was not reported. The study type was Genome-wide association study (GWAS) / Observational study.

The primary outcome assessed HSV-1 DNA presence as an exposure against Alzheimer's disease risk. HSV-1 DNA was consistently less frequent in AD cases across ancestry groups compared to controls. DNA prevalence was lower in APOE-epsilon4 carriers. HSV-1 was associated with reduced AD risk in epsilon4 non-carriers but increased risk in carriers. Directional analysis showed reduced risk in non-carriers and increased risk in carriers. Effect sizes and absolute numbers were not reported. P-values or confidence intervals were not reported.

The abstract states 'inverse association' and 'associated with', indicating association rather than causation. Follow-up duration was not reported. The authors note not to infer causation from association. Clinical significance of the inverse association requires further context. Safety data regarding adverse events were not reported. Funding or conflicts were not reported. Practice relevance was not reported. Certainty was not reported.