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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 27, 2026

Standardized Data Acquisition for Neuromelanin-Sensitive Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Substantia Nigra

Standardized Data Acquisition for Neuromelanin-Sensitive Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Substantia Nigra

Published on: September 8, 2021

Infectious agents associated with schizophrenia: a meta-analysis.

Isabel Arias¹, Antonio Sorlozano, Enrique Villegas

¹CAP El Clot, Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain.

Schizophrenia Research

|November 23, 2011

Summary

Infections by certain microorganisms may be linked to schizophrenia development. This meta-analysis found significant associations between schizophrenia and infections like Human Herpesvirus 2, Borna Disease Virus, and Toxoplasma gondii.

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Infectious Diseases
Psychiatry

Background:

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder with significant patient impact.
Investigating potential infectious agents offers avenues for prevention and treatment.
Previous research suggests possible links between infections and schizophrenia.

Purpose of the Study:

To conduct a meta-analysis assessing the association between microbial infections and schizophrenia.
To identify specific infectious agents potentially linked to schizophrenia development.

Main Methods:

Systematic review and meta-analysis of existing studies.
Statistical analysis of data from studies investigating infectious agents and schizophrenia.

Main Results:

A statistically significant association was found between schizophrenia and Human Herpesvirus 2 (HHV-2).
Significant links were also identified with Borna Disease Virus (BDV), Human Endogenous Retrovirus W (HERV-W), Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Chlamydophila psittaci, and Toxoplasma gondii.
Odds ratios (OR) indicated varying strengths of association for each agent.

Conclusions:

Findings support a potential role for specific infections in schizophrenia etiology.
Further research is warranted to explore these associations and their clinical implications.
Identifying infectious links may open new pathways for schizophrenia prevention and management.