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Are polioviruses a cause of schizophrenia?

J M Eagles1

  • 1Ross Clinic, Royal Cornhill Hospital, Aberdeen.

The British Journal of Psychiatry : the Journal of Mental Science
|May 1, 1992
PubMed

Insights

Poliovirus infections during pregnancy may increase schizophrenia risk. This suggests a potential genetic link between schizophrenia and polio susceptibility, supported by epidemiological patterns.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Schizophrenia incidence is declining.
  • There is an excess of winter births among schizophrenic individuals.
  • West Indian immigrants show increased schizophrenia rates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose a hypothesis linking prenatal poliovirus infection to schizophrenia development.
  • To explore potential epidemiological and genetic connections.

Main Methods:

  • Review of epidemiological data on schizophrenia.
  • Comparison with known poliovirus infection sequelae.
  • Formulation of a testable genetic hypothesis.

Main Results:

  • Observed epidemiological patterns in schizophrenia align with potential viral etiology.
  • Parallels exist between schizophrenia and other late-onset poliovirus sequelae.

Conclusions:

  • Prenatal poliovirus infection is a plausible contributing factor to schizophrenia.
  • A genetic susceptibility to both schizophrenia and poliomyelitis may exist.

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