ObjectiveThis analysis examines whether or not younger caregivers, parents of children with developmental disabilities, differed from controls in terms of cytomegalovirus (CMV) seropositivity andCMV‐specific antibody titre. Secondly, it examined whether any particular socio‐demographics, health behaviours, or psychological/caregiving variables were associated with a higherCMVantibody titre among caregivers.DesignYoung caregivers and age‐ and sex‐matched controls were compared with respect to their reported health behaviour and psychosocial status as well as latent virus control.MethodsOne hundred and seventeen parents of children with developmental disabilities and 52 control parents completed standard measures of health behaviours, socio‐demographics, perceived stress, depression and anxiety, caregiver burden, child problem behaviours. They also provided a blood sample assayed for the presence ofCMV‐specific antibody.ResultsCaregivers were no more likely to beCMVpositive than controls and did not have higher antibody titres againstCMV. In addition, there was no association betweenCMVantibody titre in seropositive caregivers and any of the psychological/caregiving variables. However, higherCMVantibody titres were significantly associated with a higherBMI, lower exercise levels, smoking, and lower fruit and vegetable and fat intake among seropositive caregivers.ConclusionsThese data suggest that in the absence of immunosenescence, the chronic stress of caregiving is not sufficient to compromise the immune response to persistentCMVinfection. However, an indirect mechanism to poorer health in caregivers might be via adoption of disadvantageous health behaviours in response to stress.Statement of contributionWhat is already known on this subject?Older caregivers of spouses with dementia show a poorer immune response against latent viruses when compared to age‐ and sex‐matched controls.Younger parental caregivers of children with developmental disabilities show a poorer antibody response to vaccination.What does this study add?The study showed no association between caregiving stress andCMVantibody titre in young caregivers.There were higherCMVantibody titres in the caregivers who engage in unhea