[Bornavirus Disease]

Bornavirus disease is a zoonotic infection transmitted from virus-infected shrews and squirrels. Although rare, the infection can rapidly progress to fatal encephalomyelitis. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrates bilateral lesions in the basal ganglia and the limbic system. Diagnosis is established through antibody testing in the blood and/or cerebrospinal fluid, as well as detection of viral ribonucleic acid in brain tissue. Although no established treatment exists, a combination of early antiviral and immunosuppressive therapies may be effective. A history of animal contact or organ transplantation is beneficial for the diagnosis.