Infections and mental diseases: from tuberculosis to COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Infectious Diseases
• Psychiatry

Background:

• The relationship between infectious agents and mental illness has been observed for centuries.
• Historical treatments like malaria inoculation for syphilis demonstrate early links between infection and psychiatric therapy.
• Recent pandemics have renewed focus on the impact of infections on mental health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the association between various infectious diseases and mental health conditions.
• To explore historical and contemporary evidence linking infections to psychiatric disorders.
• To discuss the mental health consequences of COVID-19 and potential treatments.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of existing literature.
• Examination of historical medical records and case studies.
• Analysis of contemporary research on infectious diseases and mental health outcomes.

Main Results:

• Tuberculosis has a long-documented association with melancholia, with early treatments like iproniazid showing antidepressant effects.
• Syphilis treatment evolved with malaria inoculation, pioneering immunotherapy for psychiatric symptoms.
• Toxoplasma gondii infections are linked to increased psychiatric illness frequency, especially when contracted during pregnancy.
• Influenza pandemics correlate with higher schizophrenia incidence in subsequent generations.
• Retroviral infections, including during pregnancy, can contribute to mental disturbances.
• COVID-19 presents significant short- and long-term mental health challenges, with ongoing research into psychotropic drug efficacy.

Conclusions:

• Infectious diseases represent a significant, multifaceted factor in mental health.
• Understanding these links offers insights into disease mechanisms and therapeutic strategies.
• Further research is crucial to elucidate causal pathways and develop effective interventions for infection-related mental health conditions.