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Borna disease virus. A possible etiologic factor in human affective disorders?
Archives of General Psychiatry
|November 1, 1985
Summary
Borna disease virus (BDV) antibodies were found in 4.5% of patients with mood disorders, suggesting a potential link between this neurotropic virus and human affective disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neurovirology
- Psychiatry
- Immunology
Background:
- Borna disease virus (BDV) is a neurotropic virus known to affect the limbic system.
- In animals, BDV infection can induce behavioral changes analogous to human mood disorders.
Observation:
- This preliminary study investigated the presence of BDV-specific antibodies in individuals with mood disorders.
- The study included 265 patients diagnosed with unipolar or bipolar depression and 105 healthy controls.
Findings:
- BDV-specific antibodies were detected in the serum of 12 patients (4.5%) diagnosed with mood disorders.
- No antibodies were found in the healthy control group.
Implications:
- These preliminary findings suggest a potential etiological role for Borna disease virus in human mood disorders.
- Further research is required to validate and expand upon these results.